i? 

■  r.    < 

1 

®he0ta0i^at  Seminary, 

No.  Case,       /t^y^^ 
No,  Shelf, 


No.  Book,  ^, 


The  John  M.  Krel^  O&»atioii. 


J  077^ 


^ff2:LX1^M  Wiia^lBlEmiFOlfvClE  Jl^'S.  11.1?. 


TJtD'i 


^  (tiran^duiil 


/A 


I  V 


'.iM-H^m 


n 


r 


^///> •///////    ^       ^<'^r/  r..  ,Y/r/// 


i^ 


A 

PRACTICAL  VIEW 

OF   THE 

PREVAILING   RELIGIOUS  SYSTEM 

OF 

PROFESSED   CHKISTIANS, 

IN   THE 
HIGHER    AND    MIDDLE    CLASSES, 

CONTRASTED  ^VITH   REAL   CMRISTlAMTY* 

—7^ 

BY  WILLIAM  WILBERFORCE,  Esq. 


FROM    A    LATE   LONDOX    EDtTIO^. 


Search  ihc  Scriptures.— John,  5  :  39. 

How  charming  is  divine  philosophy! 
Not  harsh  and  crabbed,  as  dull  tools  supposot 
But  musical  as  is  Apollo's  lute, 
And  a  perpetual  feast  of  nectar'd  sweet", 
Where  ao  crude  surfeit  reigiu. — Miltok. 


PUBLISHED  BY   Tim 

AMERICAN   TRACT   SOCIETY 

150  NASSAU-STREET,  NETf-YORK. 


D.  r«nihaw    PriRMTk 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  main  object  which  the  writer  has  in 
view  is,  not  to  convince  the  sceptic,  or  to  an- 
swer the  arguments  of  persons  who  avow- 
edly oppose  the  fundamental  doctrines  of  our 
religion ;  but  to  point  out  the  scanty  and 
erroneous  system  of  the  bulk  of  those  who 
belong  to  the  class  of  orthodox  Christians,  and 
to  contrast  their  defective  scheme  with  a  re- 
presentation of  what  the  author  apprehends 
to  be  real  Christianity.  Often  has  it  filled  him 
with  deep  concern  to  observe  in  this  descrip- 
tion of  persons  scarcely  any  distinct  know- 
ledge of  the  real  nature  and  principles  of  the 
religion  which  they  profess.  The  subject  is 
of  infinite  importance  ;  let  it  not  be  driven  out 
of  our  minds  by  the  bustle  or  dissipations  of 
life.  This  present  scene,  with  all  its  cares  and 
all  its  gayeties,  will  soon  be  rolled  away,  and 


IV  INTRODUCTION. 

*'  we  must  stand  before  the  judgment-seat  of 
Christ."  This  awful  consideration  will  prompt 
the  writer  to  express  himself  with  greater 
freedom  than  he  should  otherwise  be  disposed 
to  use.  This  consideration,  he  trusts,  also  will 
justify  his  frankness,  and  will  secure  him  a 
serious  and  patient  perusal. 

Let  it  only  be  further  premised,  that  if 
what  shall  be  stated  should  to  any  appear 
needlessly  austere  and  rigid,  the  writer  must 
lay  in  his  claim  not  to  be  condemned  without 
a  fair  inquiry  whether  or  not  his  statements 
accord  with  the  language  of  the  sacred  writ- 
ings. To  that  test  he  refers  with  confidence ; 
and  it  must  be  conceded  by  those  who  admit 
the  authority  of  Scripture,  that  from  the  deci* 
sion  of  the  word  of  God  there  can  be  no 
appeal. 


CHAPTER  r. 

Inadequate  conceptionM  of  the  importance  of  Christicnitf, 

Pag* 

Popular  notions  of  ihe  importance  of  Christianity  .  13 
Scripture  account  of  the  same  subject  .  .  .  .18 
Two  false  maxims  exposed 21 

1.  It  signifies  little  what  a  man  believes — look  to  his 

practice 21 

2.  Sincerity  is  all  in  all 21 

CHAPTER  II. 

Corruption  of  human  nature. 

Sect,  I. — Inadequate  conceptions  of  the  corruption  of 

human  nature 25 

True  account  proved  from  reason  and  Scripture    .    28 

Sect.  II.— Evil  spirit 39 

Natural  state  of  man 40 

Christianity  affords  hope  to  man  in  his  lost  and  help- 
less state 44 

Practical  importance  and  uses  of  the  doctrine  of  hu- 
man corruption 45 

Practical  advice  respecting  it,  and  its  practical  uses    46 
Sect.  III. — Corruption  of  human  nature, — Objection    .    47 
Objection — That  our  corruption  and  weakness,  be 
ing  natural  to  us,  will  be  excused  and  allowed 
for,  stsiUd  and  considered 52 


6  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  III. 

Chief  defects  of  the  religious  system  of  the  bulk  of  professed  Christians, 
in  what  regards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  Holy  Spirit. — With 
a  dissertation  concerning  the  use  of  the  passions  in  religion. 

Page 

Sect.  I. — Inadequate  conceptions  concerning  our  Savior 

and  the  Holy  Spirit 55 

Scripture  doctrines 55 

Popular  notions 57 

Language  of  one  who  objects  against  the  religious 
affections  towards  our  Savior — Also  against  the 
operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit       .        .        .        .58 

Objections  discussed  and  replied  to         ...    64 
Sect,  II. — On  the  admission  of  the  passions  into  religion    67 

True  test  and  measure  of  the  religious  affections  .    71 

The  affections  not  merely  allowable  in  religion,  but 
highly  necessary 75 

Christ  the  just  object  of  our  warm  affections  .        .    79 
Sect.  III. — Considerations  of  the  reasonableness  of  af- 
fections towards  an  invisible  Being     .        .        .81 

The  affections  denied  to  be  possible  towards  an  in- 
visible Being         81 

This  position  discussed  and  answered    .        ,        .81 

Special  grounds  for  the  religious  affections  towards 
our  Savior 82 

Unreasonable  conduct  of  our  objectors  in  the  pre- 
sent instance 85 

Appeal  to  fact  in  proof  of  our  former  positions      .    86 
Sect.  IV. — Inadequate  conceptions  entertained  by  no- 
minal Christians  of  the  terms  of  acceptance  with 
God 88 

Prevailing  fundamental  misconception  of  the  scheme 
and  essential  principle  of  the  Gospel  .        .        .92 

Some  practical  consequences  of  this  fundamental 
error 95 


CONTENTS.  7 

Condemnation  of  those  who  abuse  the  doctrine  of 

free  grace 98 

Believing  in  Christ,  what  it  really  implies     .        .    99 
The  atonement  and  grace  of  Christ  pressed  as  the 
subject  of  our  habitual  regard      ....  104 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Oh  tht  prevailing  inadequate  conceptions  concerning  the  natvre  and 

»lrictne$$  of  practical  Christianity. 

Skct.  1. — Strictness  of  true  practical  Christianity        .  107 
Its  essential  nature  opened  and  stated         .        .114 
Its  precepts  expressed  in  broad  terms  .        .        .119 
Its  precepts  universal,  because  resulting  from  re- 
lations common  to  all  Christians      .        .        .  120 
Strong  practical  precepts,  and  other  confirmations  123 
Extreme  importance  of  these  considerations       .  124 
Sect.  II.— General    notion    of  practical   Christianity 
amongst  the  bulk  of  nominal  Christians  stated 
and  illustrated 125 

General  consequences 127 

Appeal  to  various  classes  of  nominal  Christians    .  128 

The  idle  and  dissipated 130 

The  votaries  of  sensual  pleasures  .  .  .  131 
The  votaries  of  pomp  and  parade  .  .  .  133 
The  votaries  of  wealth  and  ambition  .        .        .  133 

Conclusion  from  the  review — and  general  fault  of 
all  the  above  classes 136 

Effects  of  the  fundamental  error  on  our  judgments 
and  practice  in  the  case  of  others         .        .        .  137 

Further  effects — Religion  degraded  mto  a  set  of 
statutes 139 

Another  effect — Religion  placed  in  external  actions  142 


O  CONTENTS 

Page 

Christian  tempers  not  cultivated     .        .        .        .143 
Most  men  forget  that  the  Christian's  life  is  a  life  of 
faith,  and  the  true  Christian's  character  in  this 

respect  . •  145 

Sunday,  and  hints  for  its  employment    .        .        .  150 
Other  internal  defects  noticed         ....  153 
Sect,  III. — On  the  desire  of  human  estimation  and  ap- 
plause. The  generally  prevailing  opinions  con- 
trasted with  those  of  the  true  Christian       .        .  156 

Universality  of  the  passion 158 

The  common  notions  asserted  ....  159 
The  vindication  of  common  notions  questioned      .  160 

Opinions  of  pagan  moralists 161 

Scripture  lessons  stated  and  illustrated  .  .  .  162 
Generally  prevailing  notions  opposed  to  those  of 

Scripture 162 

Various  proofs  of  the  truth  of  our  representations 
of  the  opinions  on  this  point  of  the  bulk  of  nomi- 
nal Christians 169 

Proof  from  the  House  of  Commons,  and  from  dueling  169 
Wherein  the  guilt  of  dueling  chiefly  consists  .  .  171 
Real  nature  of  inordinate  love  of  human  estimation  172 
The  true  Christian's  conduct  in  relation  to  this 

principle 175 

Parting  counsel  to  those  who  wish  to  bring  this 
passion  under  due  regulation       ....  185 
Sect,  IV. — The  generally  prevailing  error,  of  substitut- 
ing amiable  tempers  and  useful  lives  in  the  place 
of  religion,  stated  and  confuted;  with  hints  to 

real  Christians 189 

Common  language  on  this  head  ....  189 
The  worth  of  amiable  tempers  estimated  by  the 

standard  of  unassisted  reason      ....  191 
Many  false  pretenders  to  these  tempers  .        .        .191 


CONTENTS.  9 

P«g« 
Real  nature  of  amiable  tempers  when  not  grounded 

in  religion 192 

Their  short  and  precarious  duration      .        .        .  193 
Worth  of  useful  lives  estimated  by  the  standard  of 

unassisted  reason 195 

Real  worth  of  amiable  tempers  and  useful  lives, 
when  not  grounded  in  religion,  estimated  on 

Christian  principles 196 

The  true  Christian  really  the  most  amiable  and 

useful 199 

Admonition  to  true  Christians        ....  204 
Admonition  to  the  naturally  sweet-tempered  and 

active 205 

Admonition  to  the  naturally  rough  and  austere      .  206 
Their  just  praise  given  to  amiable  tempers  and  use- 
ful lives 209 

Our  araiableness  of  temper  and  usefulness  of  life 

apt  to  deceive  and  mislead  us      .        .        .        .211 
Danger  to  true  Christians  from  mixing  too  much 

in  worldly  business 213 

Advice  to  such  as  suspect  that  they  are  growmg 

indifferent  to  religion 212 

Exquisite  sensibility — School  of   Rousseau   and 

Sterne 217 

Sect.  V. — Some  other  grand  defects  in  the  practical 

system  of  the  bulk  of  nominal  Christians    .        .  218 
Inadequate  ideas  of  the  guilt  and  evil  of  sin  .        .  219 

Inadequate  fear  of  God 221 

Inadequate  sense  of  the  difficulty  of  gelling  to  hea- 
ven               •        .  227 

Bulk  of  nominal  Christians  defective  in  the  love  of 

God 233 

Remarks  on  theatrical  amusements        .        .        .  235 
Practical  system  of  nominal  Christians  defective  in 
what  regards  the  love  of  their  fellow-creatures  .  338 


10  CONTENTS. 

Pag« 

True  marks  of  benevolence 239 

Sect.  VI.— Grand  defect— Neglect  of  the  peculiar  doc- 
trines  of  Christianity — This  evil  pursued  into  its 

eifects 245 

Advice  of  modern  religionists  to  such  as  are  desi- 
rous of  repenting 248 

Advice  given  by  the  Holy  Scriptures     .        .        .  249 
Extreme  importance  of  the  point  now  under  discus- 
sion        250 

The  true  Christian's  practical  use  of  the  peculiar 

doctrines  of  Christianity 252 

Use  of  the  peculiar  doctrines  in  enforcing  the  im- 
portance of  Christianity       253 

Unconditional  surrender  of  ourselves  to  God  .  255 

The  guilt  of  sin  and  the  dread  of  its  punishment  256 
In  promoting  the  love  of  God  ....  256 

In  promoting  the  love  of  Christ       .        .        .        .258 
In  promoting  the  love  of  our  fellow-creatures         .  258 

In  promoting  humility 260 

In  promoting  a  spirit  of  moderation  in  early  pur- 
suits, and  cheerfulness  in  suffering     .        .        .  261 
In  promoting  courage  and  confidence  in  danger, 

and  heavenly  mindedness        ....  263 
The  place  held  by  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  Chris- 
tianity constitutes  the  grand  distinction  between 
nominal  and  real  Christians        ....  266 


CHAPTER  V. 

Om  tke  excellence  of  Christianity  in  certain  important  particulars.    Ar 
gument  which  results  thence  inproof  of  its  divine  origin 

Consistency  between  the  leading  doctrines  and  practicai 
precepts  of  Christianity   .        ;        .        .        .        .268 


CONTEXTS.  11 

Consistency  betv\'een  the  leading  doctrines  of  Chiisda- 
nity  amongst  each  other 269 

Consistency  between  the  practical  precepts  amongst 
each  other 269 

A  higher  value  set  by  Christianity  on  moral  than  on  in- 
tellectual attainments 274 

Excellence  of  Christianity's  practical  precepts      .        .  277 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Brief  inquiry  into  the  present  state  of  Christianity  in  this  country,  vith 
(tome  of  the  canses  which  have  led  to  its  critical  circumstances.  Its 
importance  to  uf,  as  a  political  community ;  and  practical  hints  for 
Khich  the  foregoing  considerations  give  occasion. 

Preliminary  consideration  :  general  tone  of  moral  prac- 
tice  .  ' 279 

Present  state  of  Christianity  among  us  .    "    .       .        .  283 

Causes  from  which  the  peculiarities  of  Christianity 
slide  into  disuse 285 

Christianity  reduced  to  a  system  of  ethics,  and  a  cause 
assigned  which  has  especially  operated  in  produc- 
ing this  effect 290 

Other  bad  symptoms  as  to  the  practical  state  of  Chris- 
tianity       294 

The  objection,  that  the  author's  system  is  too  strict,  and 
that  if  it  were  to  prevail  the  world  could  not  go  on, 
considered  and  refuted 297 

Good  effects  to  us  as  a  political  community  from  the 
prevalence  of  vital  Christianity      ....  300 

Christianity  not  hostile  to  patriotism     ....  302 

We  must  either  have  vital  Christianity  or  none  at  all  .  310 

Political  good  effects  from  the  revival  of  Christianity  ; 
and  bad  ones  from  its  further  decline     .        .        .  314 

Practical  hints  for  the  conduct  of  men  in  power  in  the 
case  of  religion 317 


12  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Practical  hintg  to  variova  descriptions  ofper»on». 

Sect.  I. — Difference  between  nominal  and  real  Chris- 
tians of  the  first  importance  .  .  .  .321 
Helps  in  self-examination.    Frequent  sources  of 

self-deception  pointed  out 324 

Outgrowing  or  merely  changing  our  vices  mistaken 

for  forsaking  of  all  sin 326 

Uncharitableness  and  true  charity  ....  328 
Women  naturally  more  disposed  to  religion  than 

men 330 

Innocent  young  people — Term  much  abused  .  332 

Hints  to  such  as,  having  been  hitherto  careless,  wish 

to  become  true  Christians 336 

Base  nature  of  the  religion  of  the  bulk  of  nominal 

Christians 343 

Falsehood  of  the  objection,  that  we  make  religion 

a  gloomy  service 346 

Sect.  II. — Advice  to  some  who  profess  their  full  assent 

to  thp  fundamental  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  .  359 
Sect.  III. — Brief  observations  addressed  to  sceptics  and 

unitarians 357 

Progress  of  infidelity 358 

Unitarianism  a  sort  of  half-way  house  in  the  course 

to  absolute  infidelity 363 

Advantage  possessed  by  deists  and  unitarians  in 

contending  with  their  opponents  ....  365 
Half  unbelievers — their  system  grossly  irrational  367 
Sect.  IV. — Advice  suggested  by  the  state  of  the  times 

to  true  Christians 370 


PRUTCBTOU 


TH<SfttTEfl!lCSL 

TANCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY. 


Popular  notions.-^ Serif  ture  account. — Ignorance  in  thxs  cati 
criminal.-^  Two  false  maxims  exposed. 

Before  we  consider  particular  defects  in  the  re- 
ligious system  of  the  bulk  of  professed  Christians,  it 
may  be  proper  to  point  out  the  very  inadequate  con- 
ception which  they  entertain  of  the  importance  of 
Christianity  in  general,  of  its  peculiar  nature,  and 
superior  excellence.  If  we  listen  to  their  conversa- 
tion, virtue  is  praised,  and  vice  is  censured ;  piety, 
perhaps,  is  applauded,  and  profaneness  condemned. 
So  far  is  well.  But  let  any  one,  who  would  not  be 
deceived  by  "  barren  generalities,"  examine  more 
closely,  and  he  will  find,  that  not  to  Christianity  in 
particular,  but,  at  best,  to  religion  in  general,  perhaps 
to  mere  morality,  their  homage  is  paid.  With  Chris- 
tianity, as  distinct  from  these,  they  are  little  acquaint- 
ed :  their  views  of  it  have  been  so  cursory  and  su- 
perficial, that,  far  from  discerning  its  characteristic 
essence,  they  have  little  more  than  perceived  those 
2 


14  INADEQUATE    CONCEPllONS    OF 

exterior  circumstances  which  distinguish  it  from 
other  forms  of  religion.  There  are  some  few  facts, 
and  perhaps  some  leading  doctrines  and  principles, 
of  which  they  cannot  be  wholly  ignorant ;  but  of  the 
consequences,  and  relations,  and  practical  uses  of 
these,  they  have  few  ideas,  or  none  at  all. 

View  their  plan  of  life  and  their  ordinary  conduct ; 
and,  not  to  speak  at  present  of  general  inattention  to 
things  of  a  religious  nature,  let  us  ask,  wherein  can 
M'e  discern  the  points  of  discrimination  between  them 
and  professed  unbelievers  ?  In  an  age  wherein  it  is 
confessed  and  lamented  that  infidelity  abounds,  do  we 
observe  in  them  any  remarkable  care  to  instruct  their 
children  in  the  principles  of  the  faith  which  they  pro- 
fess, and  to  furnish  them  with  arguments  for  the  de- 
fence of  it  ?  They  would  blush,  on  their  child's  com- 
ing out  into  the  world,  to  think  him  defective  in  any 
branch  of  that  knowledge,  or  of  those  accomplish- 
ments which  belong  to  his  station  in  life;  accordingly 
these  are  cultivated  with  assiduity.  But  the  study  of 
Christianity  has  formed  no  part  of  his  education  ; 
and  his  attachment  to  it,  where  any  attachment  to  it 
exists  at  all,  is  merely  the  result  of  his  being  born  in 
a  Christian  country.  When  such  is  the  hereditary 
religion  handed  down  from  generation  to  generation, 
it  cannot  surprise  us  to  observe  young  men  shaken 
by  frivolous  objections  and  profane  cavils. 

Let  us  beware  before  it  be  too  late.  No  one  can 
say  what  may  be  the  painful  results,  at  a  time  when 


IMPORTANCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  15 

the  free  and  unrestrained  intercourse  subsisting 
amongst  the  several  ranks  and  classes  of  society,  so 
much  favors  the  general  diffusion  of  the  sentiments 
of  the  higher  orders. 

It  cannot  be  expected,  that  they  who  are  so  little 
attentive  to  this  great  object  in  the  education  of  their 
children,  should  be  more  so  in  other  parts  of  their 
conduct,  where  less  strongly  stimulated  by  affection, 
and  less  obviously  loaded  with  responsibility.  They 
are  of  course,  therefore,  little  regardful  of  the  state  of 
Christianity  in  their  own  country ;  and  still  more  in- 
aifferent  about  communicating  the  light  of  divine 
truth  to  the  nations  which  "  sit  in  darkness." 

But  religion,  it  may  be  replied,  is  not  noisy  and 
ostentatious  ;  it  is  modest  and  private  in  its  nature  ; 
it  resides  in  a  man's  own  bosom,  and  shuns  the  ob- 
servation of  the  multitude.    Be  it  so. 

From  this  transient  and  distant  view,  then,  let  us 
approach  a  little  nearer,  and  listen  to  the  unreserved 
conversation  of  their  confidential  hours.  Here,  if  any 
where,  we  may  ascertain  the  true  principles  of  their 
regards  and  aversions;  the  scale  by  which  they 
measure  the  good  and  evil  of  life.  Here,  however, 
you  will  discover  few  or  no  traces  of  Christianity. 
She  scarcely  finds  a  place  amidst  the  many  objects 
of  their  hopes  and  fears,  and  joys  and  sorrows. 
Grateful,  perhaps,  as  well  indeed  they  may  be  grate- 
ful, for  health,  and  talents,  and  affluence,  and  other 
blessings,  they  scarcely  reckon  in  the  number  this 


16       INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

grand  distinguishing  mark  of  the  bounty  of  Provi- 
dence ;  or  if  they  mention  it  at  all,  it  is  noticed  coldly 
and  formally,  like  one  of  those  obsolete  claims  to 
which,  though  but  of  small  account  in  the  estimate 
of  our  wealth  or  power,  we  think  it  as  well  to  put 
in  our  title,  from  considerations  of  family  decorum  or 
of  national  usage. 

Let\heir  conversation  take  a  graver  turn :  here  at 
length  their  religion,  modest  and  retired  as  it  is, 
must  be  expected  to  disclose  itself;  here,  however, 
you  will  look  in  vain  for  the  religion  of  Jesus. 
Their  standard  of  right  and  wrong  is  not  the  stand- 
ard of  the  Gospel:  they  approve  and  condemn  by  a 
different  rule  ;  they  advance  principles  and  maintain 
opinions  altogether  opposite  to  the  genius  and  cha- 
racter of  Christianity. 

The  truth  is,  their  opinions  on  these  subjects  are 
not  formed  from  the  perusal  of  the  word  of  God. 
The  Bible  lies  unopened  ;  and  they  would  be  wholly 
ignorant  of  its  contents,  except  for  what  they  hear 
occasionally  at  church,  or  for  some  faint  traces 
which  their  memories  may  still  retain  of  the  lessons 
of  their  earliest  infancy. 

How  different,  nay,  in  many  respects,  how  con- 
tradictory would  be  the  two  systems  of  mere  morals, 
of  which  the  one  should  be  formed  from  the  com- 
monly received  maxims  of  the  Christian  world,  and 
the  other  from  the  study  of  the  holy  Scriptures  I 

It  were  a  waste  of  time  to  multiply  arg^raenti  m 


IMPORTANCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  17 

order  to  prove  how  criminal  the  voluntary  igno- 
rance^  of  which  we  have  been  speaking,  must  ap- 
pear in  the  sight  of  God.  It  must  be  confessed  by 
all  who  believe  that  we  are  accountable,  and  to  such 
only  the  writer  is  addressing  himself,  that  we  shall 
have  to  answer  hereafter  to  the  Almighty  for  all  the 
means  and  occasions  we  have  here  enjoyed  of  im- 
proving ourselves,  or  of  promoting  the  happiness  of 
others.  And  if,  when  summoned  to  give  an  account 
of  our  stewardship,  we  shall  be  called  upon  to  an- 
swer for  the  use  which  we  have  made  of  our  bodily 
organs,  and  of  the  means  of  relieving  the  wants  and 
necessities  of  our  fellow-creatures ;  how  much  more 
for  the  exercise  of  the  nobler  and  more  exalted  fa- 
culties of  our  nature — of  invention,  and  judgment, 
and  memory ;  and  for  our  employment  of  all  the  in- 
struments and  opportunities  of  diligent  application, 
and  serious  reflection,  and  honest  decision  !  And  to 
what  subject  might  we  in  all  reason  be  expected  to 
apply  more  earnestly,  than  to  that  wherein  our  eter- 
nal interests  are  at  issue  ?  When  God  has  of  his 
goodness  vouchsafed  to  grant  us  such  abundant 
means  of  instruction  in  that  which  we  are  most  con- 
cerned to  know,  how  great  must  be  the  guilt,  and 
how  awful  the  punishment  of  voluntary  ignorance ! 
And  why,  it  may  be  asked,  are  we  in  this  pursuit 
alone  to  expect  knowledge  without  inquiry,  and 
success  without  endeavor  ?  The  whole  analogy  of 
nature  inculcate*  on  us  a  different  lesson,  and  our 
2* 


18  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

own  judgments,  in  matters  of  temporal  interest  and 
worldly  policy,  confirm  the  truth  of  her  suggestions. 
Bountiful  as  is  the  hand  of  Providence,  its  gifts  are 
not  so  bestowed  as  to  seduce  us  into  indolence,  but 
to  rouse  us  to  exertion  ;  and  no  one  expects  to  attain 
to  the  height  of  learning,  or  arts,  or  power,  or  wealth, 
without  vigorous  resolution,  and  strenuous  diligence, 
and  steady  perseverance.  Yet  we  expect  to  be  Chris- 
tians without  labor,  study,  or  inquiry.  This  is  the 
more  preposterous,  because  Christianity,  being  a 
revelation  from  God,  and  not  the  invention  of  man, 
discovering  to  us  new  relations,  with  their  corres- 
pondent duties ;  containing  also  doctrines,  and  mo- 
tives, and  practical  principles,  and  rules,  peculiar  to 
itself,  and  almost  as  new  in  their  nature  as  supreme 
in  their  excellence,  we  cannot  reasonably  expect  to 
become  proficients  in  it  by  the  accidental  intercour- 
ses of  life,  as  one  might  learn,  insensibly,  the  maxims 
of  worldly  policy,  or  a  scheme  of  mere  morals. 

The  diligent  perusal  of  the  holy  Scriptures  would 
discover  to  us  our  past  ignorance.  We  should  cease 
to  be  deceived  by  superficial  appearances,  and  to 
confound  the  Gospel  of  Christ  with  the  systems  of 
philosophers  ;  we  should  become  impressed  with 
that  weighty  truth,  so  much  forgotten,  and  never  to 
be  too  strongly  insisted  on,  that  Christianity  calls  on 
us,  as  we  value  our  immortal  souls,  not  merely  in 
general  to  be  religious  and  moral,  but  specially  to 
believe  the  doctrines,  and  imbibe  the  principles,  and 


IMPORTANCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  19 

practice  the  precepts  of  Christ.  It  would  be  to  run 
into  too  great  length,  and  is  quite  unnecessary, 
though  not  difficult,  to  confirm  this  position  beyond 
dispute,  by  express  quotations  from  Scripture.  And 
it  may  be  sufficient  here  to  remark  in  general,  that 
Christianity  is  always  represented  in  Scripture  as 
the  grand,  the  unparalleled  instance  of  God's  bounty 
to  mankind.  It  was  graciously  held  forth  in  the  ori- 
ginal promise  to  our  first  parents ;  it  was  predicted 
by  a  long  continued  series  of  prophets  ;  the  subject 
of  their  prayers,  inquiries,  and  longing  expectations. 
In  a  world  which  opposed  and  persecuted  them,  it 
was  their  source  of  peace,  and  hope,  and  consolation. 
At  length  it  approached — the  desire  of  all  nations — 
a  multitude  of  the  heavenly  host  hailed  its  introduc- 
tion, and  proclaimed  its  character;  "  Glory  to  God 
in  the  highest,  on  earth  peace,  good  will  towards 
men."  It  is  every  where  represented  in  Scripture  by 
such  figures  as  may  most  deeply  impress  on  us  a  sense 
of  its  value.  It  is  spoken  of  as  light  from  darkness, 
as  release  from  prison,  as  deliverance  from  capti- 
vity, as  life  from  death.  "  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy 
servant  depart  in  peace,  for  mine  eyes  have  seen 
thy  salvation,"  was  the  exclamation  with  which  it 
was  welcomed  by  the  pious  Simeon  ;  and  it  was  uni- 
versally received  and  professed,  among  the  early  con- 
verts, with  thankfulness  and  joy.  At  one  time,  the 
communication  of  it  is  promised  as  a  reward  ;  at  an- 
other, the  loss  of  it  is  threatened  as  a  punishment. 


20        INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

And,  short  as  is  the  form  of  prayer  taught  us  by  our 
blessed  Savior,  the  more  general  extension  of  the 
kingdom  of  Christ  constitutes  one  of  its  leading  pe- 
titions. 

With  what  exalted  conceptions  of  the  importance 
of  Christianity  ought  we  to  be  filled  by  such  descrip- 
tions as  these !  Yet,  in  vain  have  we  "  line  up- 
on line,  and  precept  upon  precept."  Thus  pre- 
dicted, thus  prayed  and  longed  for,  thus  announc- 
ed and  characterized  and  rejoiced  in,  we  scarcely 
accept  this  heavenly  treasure  poured  into  our  lap 
in  rich  abundance  !  We  turn  from  it  coldly,  or,  at 
best,  possess  it  negligently,  as  a  thing  of  no  account 
or  estimation.  But  a  due  sense  of  its  value  would 
be  assuredly  impressed  on  us  by  the  diligent  study 
of  the  word  of  God,  that  blessed  repository  of  divine 
truth  and  consolation.  Thence  it  is  that  we  are  to 
learn  our  obligations  and  our  duty — what  we  are  to 
believe,  and  what  to  practice.  And  surely,  one  would 
think,  it  could  not  be  required  to  press  men  to  the 
perusal  of  the  sacred  volume.  Reason  dictates,  reve- 
lation commands:  "  Faith  comes  by  hearing,  and 
hearing  by  the  word  of  God  " — "  Search  the  Scrip- 
tures " — "  Be  ready  to  give  to  every  one  a  reason  of 
the  hope  that  is  in  you."  Such  are  the  declarations 
and  injunctions  of  the  inspired  writers;  injunctions 
confirmed  by  the  commendations  of  those  who  obey 
the  admonition.  Yet,  is  it  not  undeniable,  that,  with 
the  Bible  in  our  houses,  we  are  ignorant  of  its  con- 


IMPORTANCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  21 

tents ;  and  that  hence,  in  a  great  measure,  it  arises, 
that  the  bulk  of  the  Christian  world  know  so  little, 
and  mistake  so  greatly,  in  what  regards  the  religion 
which  they  profess  ? 

This  is  not  the  place  for  inquiring  at  large,  whence 
it  is  that  those  who  assent  to  the  position  that  the 
Bible  is  the  word  of  God,  and  who  profess  to  rest 
their  hopes  on  the  Christian  basis,  contentedly  ac- 
quiesce in  a  state  of  such  lamentable  ignorance. 
But  it  may  not  be  improper  here  to  touch  on  two 
kindred  opinions,  from  which,  in  the  minds  of  the 
more  thoughtful  and  serious,  this  acquiescence  ap- 
pears to  derive  much  secret  support.  The  one  is,  that 
it  signifies  little  what  a  man  believes ;  look  to  his 
practice.  The  other,  of  the  same  family,  that  siw 
cerity  is  all  in  all.  Let  a  man's  opinions  and  con- 
duct be  what  they  may,  yet,  provided  he  be  sincerely 
convinced  that  they  are  right,  however  the  exigen- 
cies of  civil  society  may  require  him  to  be  dealt  with 
amongst  men,  in  the  sight  of  God  he  cannot  be  cri- 
minal ! 

It  would  detain  us  too  long  to  set  forth  the  vari- 
ous merits  of  these  favorite  positions.  The  former 
of  them  is  founded  altogether  on  that  grossly  falla- 
cious assumption,  that  a  man's  opinions  will  not  m- 
fluence  his  practice.  The  latter  proceeds  on  this 
groundless  supposition,  that  the  Supreme  Being  has 
not  afforded  us  sufficient  means  for  discriminating 
^ruth  from  falsehood,  right  from  wrong ;  and  it  im- 


22       INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

plies,  that  be  a  man's  opinions  ov  conduct  ever  so 
wild  and  extravagant,  we  are  to  presume  that  they 
are  as  much  the  result  of  impartial  inquiry  and  hon- 
est conviction,  as  if  his  sentiments  and  actions  had 
been  strictly  conformable  to  the  rules  of  reason  and 
sobriety.  Never,  indeed,  was  there  a  principle  more 
general  in  its  use,  more  sovereign  in  its  potency. 
How  does  its  simplicity  also,  and  brevity,  give  it 
rank  before  the  laborious  subtleties  of  Bellarmin  ! 
Clement,  and  Ravaillac,  and  other  worthies  of  a  simi- 
lar stamp,  from  whose  purity  of  intention  the  world 
has  Jiitherto  withheld  its  due  tribute  of  applause, 
would  here  have  found  a  ready  plea,  and  full  vindi- 
cation !  "These,  however,"  it  may  be  replied,  "are 
excepted  cases."  Certainly  they  are  cases  of  which 
any  one  who  maintains  the  opinion  in  question  would 
be  glad  to  disencumber  himself;  because  they  clearly 
expose  the  unsoundness  of  his  principle.  But  it  will 
be  incumbent  on  such  a  one,  first  to  explain  why 
they  are  to  be  exempted  from  its  operation ;  and  this 
he  will  find  an  impossible  task ;  for  sincerity  in  its 
popular  sense,  so  shamefully  is  the  term  misapplied, 
can  be  made  the  criterion  of  guilt  and  innocence  on 
no  grounds  which  will  not  equally  serve  to  justify 
the  assassins  who  have  been  instanced.  The  conclu- 
sion cannot  be  eluded  ;  no  man  was  ever  more  fully 
persuaded  of  the  innocence  of  any  action,  than  these 
men  were,  that  the  horrid  deed  they  w^ere  about  to 
perpetrate  was  not  lawful  merely,  but  highly  meri* 


IMPORTANCE     OF    CHRISTIANITY.  23 

torious.  Thus  Clement  and  Ravaillac  being  un- 
questionably sincere,  they  were  therefore  indubita- 
bly innocent !  Nay,  the  absurdity  of  this  principle 
might  be  shown  to  be  even  greater  than  what  has 
yet  been  stated.  It  would  not  be  going  too  far  to  as- 
sert, that  whilst  it  scorns  to  defend  petty  villains,  those 
who  still  retain  the  sense  of  good  and  evil,  it  holds 
forth  a  secure  asylum  to  those  more  finished  crimi- 
nals, who,  from  long  habits  of  wickedness,  are  lost 
alike  to  the  perception  and  the  practice  of  virtue  ; 
and  that  it  selects  a  seared  conscience,  and  a  heart 
become  callous  to  ail  moral  distinctions,  as  the 
special  objects  of  its  care.  Nor  is  it  only  in  profane 
history  that  instances  like  these  are  to  be  found,  of 
persons  committing  the  greatest  crimes  with  h 
sincere  conviction  of  the  rectitude  of  their  conduct. 
Scripture  will  afford  us  parallels  ;  and  it  was  surely 
to  guard  us  against  this  very  error  that  our  blessed 
Savior  forewarned  his  disciples :  "  The  time  com- 
eth,  that  whosoever  killeth  you  will  think  that  ho 
doeth  God  service.'' 

A  principle  like  this  must  then  be  abandoned,  and 
the  advocates  for  sincerity  must  be  compelled  to  ac- 
knowledge that  it  must  imply  honesty  of  mind,  and 
the  faithful  use  of  the  means  of  knowledge  and  of  im- 
provement, the  desire  of  being  instructed,  humble 
inquiry,  impartial  consideration,  and  unprejudiced 
judgment.  It  is  to  these  we  would  earne&tly  call 
vou ;  to  these,  ever  to  be  accompanied  with  fervent 


24  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS,  &«. 

prayers  for  the  Divine  blessing,  Scripture  every 
where  holds  forth  the  most  animating  promises. 
•*  Ask,  and  ye  shall  receive ;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find ; 
knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you. " — "  Ho  I 
every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  waters." 
Such  are  the  comfortable  assurances,  such  the  gra* 
cious  encouragements  to  the  truly  sincere  inquirer. 
How  deep  will  be  our  guilt,  if  we  slight  all  these 
merciful  offers!  How  many  prophets  and  king» 
have  desired  to  hear  the  things  that  we  hear,  and 
have  not  heard  them  !  Great,  indeed,  are  our  op* 
portunities,  great  also  is  our  responsibility.  Let  us 
awaken  to  a  true  sense  of  our  situation.  We  have 
every  consideration  to  alarm  our  fears,  or  to  animate 
our  industry.  How  soon  may  the  brightness  of  our 
meridian  sun  be  darkened  1  Or,  should  the  long- 
suffering  of  God  still  continue  to  us  the  mercies 
which  we  so  much  abuse,  it  will  only  aggravate  our 
crime,  and  in  the  end  enhance  our  punishment* 
The  time  of  reckoning  will  at  length  arrive.  And 
when  finally  summoned  to  the  bar  of  God,  to  give 
an  account  of  our  stewardship,  what  plea  can  we 
have  to  urge  in  our  defence,  if  we  remain  willingly 
and  obstinately  ignorant  of  the  way  which  leads  to 
life,  with  such  transcendent  means  of  knowing  it, 
and  such  urgent  motives  to  its  pursuit? 


CHAPTER  II. 


CORRUPTION  OF  HUMAN  NATURE, 


SECTION    I. 

Inadequate  conceptions  of  the  corruption  of  hwruin  natnir^. 

After  considering  the  defective  notions  of  the 
importance  of  Christianity  in  general,  which  prevail 
among  the  higher  orders  of  the  Christian  world,  the 
particular  misconceptions  which  first  come  under 
our  notice,  respect  the  corruption  and  weakness  of 
human  nature.  This  is  a  topic  on  which  it  is  pos- 
sible that  many  of  those,  into  whose  hands  the  pre- 
sent work  shall  fall,  may  not  have  bestowed  much 
attention.  The  subject  is  of  the  deepest  import.  It 
lies  at  the  very  root  of  all  true  religion :  and,  still 
more,  it  is  emmently  the  basis  and  ground-work  of 
Christianity. 

The  generality  of  professed  Christians  among  the 

higher  classes,  either  altogether  overlook  or  deny, 

or,  at  least,  greatly   extenuate  the  corruption   and 

weakness   here  in   question.     They  acknowledge. 

3 


26  CORRUPTION  Off 

indeed,  that  there  is,  and  ever  has  been  in  the  world, 
a  great  portion  of  vice  and  wickedness ;  that  man- 
kind have  been  ever  prone  to  sensuality  and  selfish* 
ness,  in  disobedience  to  the  more  refined  and  liberal 
principles  of  their  nature ;  that,  in  all  ages  and  coun- 
tries, in  public  and  in  private  life,  innumerable  in- 
stances have  been  afforded  of  oppression,  of  rapacity, 
of  cruelty,  of  fraud,  of  envy,  and  of  malice.  They 
own,  that  it  is  too  often  in  vain  that  you  inform  the 
understanding  and  convince  the  judgment.  They 
admit  that  you  do  not  thereby  reform  the  hearts  of 
men.  Though  they  know  their  duty,  they  will  not 
practice  it ;  no,  not  even  when  you  have  forced  them 
to  acknowledge  that  the  path  of  virtue  is  that  also 
of  real  interest  and  of  solid  enjoyment. 

These  facts  are  certain ;  they  cannot  be  disputed ; 
and  they  are  at  the  same  time  so  obvious,  that  one 
would  have  thought  that  the  celebrated  apothem  of 
the  Grecian  sage,  •'  The  majority  are  wicked,"  would 
scarcely  have  established  his  claim  to  intellectual 
superiority. 

But  though  these  effects  of  human  depravity  are 
every  where  acknowledged  and  lamented,  we  must 
not  expect  to  find  them  traced  to  their  true  origin. 
Prepare  yourself  to  hear  rather  of  frailty  and  infir- 
mity, of  petty  transgressions,  of  occasional  failings, 
of  sudden  surprisals,  and  of  such  other  qualifying 
terms  as  may  serve  to  keep  out  of  view  the  true  source 
ofthe  evil,  and,  without  shocking  the  understanding. 


HUMAN    NATURE.  27 

may  administer  consolation  to  the  pride  of  human 
nature.  The  bulk  of  professed  Christians  speak  of 
man  as  of  a  being  who,  naturally  pure,  and  inclined 
to  all  virtue,  is  sometimes,  almost  involuntarily, 
drawn  out  of  the  right  course,  or  is  overpowered  by 
the  violence  of  temptation.  Vice,  with  them,  is  rather 
an  accidental  and  temporary,  than  a  constitutional  and, 
habitual  distemper ;  a  noxious  plant,  which,  though 
found  to  live,  and  even  to  thrive  in  the  human  mmd,  is 
not  the  natural  growth  and  production  of  the  soil. 

Far  different  is  the  humiliating  language  of 
Christianity.  From  it  we  learn  that  man  is  an 
apostate  creature,  fallen  from  his  high  original,  de- 
graded in  his  nature,  and  depraved  in  his  faculties ; 
indisposed  to  good,  and  disposed  to  evil :  prone  to 
vice,  it  is  natural  and  easy  to  him ;  disinclined  to 
virtue,  it  is  difficult  and  laborious:  that  he  is  tainted 
with  sin,  not  slightly  and  superficially,  but  radically, 
and  to  the  very  core.  These  are  truths  which,  how- 
ever mortifying  to  our  pride,  one  would  think  (if 
this  very  corruption  itself  did  not  warp  the  judg- 
ment) none  would  be  hardy  enough  to  attempt  to 
controvert.  I  know  not  any  thing  which  brings 
them  home  so  forcibly  to  my  own  feelings,  as  the 
consideration  of  what  still  remains  to  us  of  our  prim- 
itive dignity,  when  contrasted  with  our  present  state 
of  moral  degradation. 

"  Into  what  depth  thou  seest, 
"  From  what  height  fallen  1" 


28  CORRUPTION  OF 

Examine*  first  with  attention  the  natural  powers 
and  facuhies  of  man;  invention,  reason,  judgment, 
memory;  a  mind  "of  large  discourse,"  "looking 
before  and  after,"  reviewing  the  past,  and  thence  de- 
termining for  the  present,  and  anticipating  the  future ; 
discerning,  collecting,  combining,  comparing.  A 
mind  capable  not  merely  of  apprehending,  but  of 
admiring  the  beauty  of  moral  excellence ;  with  fear 
and  hope  to  warm  and  animate :  with  joy  and  sor- 
row to  solace  and  soften :  with  love  to  attach,  with 
sympathy  to  harmonize,  with  courage  to  attempt, 
with  patience  to  endure,  and  with  the  power  of  con- 
science, that  faithful  monitor  within  the  breast,  to 
enforce  the  conclusions  of  reason,  and  direct  and  re- 
gulate the  passions  of  the  soul.  Truly  we  must  pro- 
nounce him  "  m.ajestic,  though  in  ruin,"  "  Happy, 
happy  world!"  would  be  the  exclamation  of  the 
inhabitant  of  some  other  planet,  on  being  told  of 
a  globe  like  ours,  peopled  with  such  creatures  as 
these,  and  abounding  with  situations  and  occasions  to 
call  forth  the  multiplied  excellences  of  their  nature. 

But  we  have  indulged  too  long  in  these  delightful 
speculations ;  a  sad  reverse  presents  itself  on  our 
survey  of  the  actual  state  of  man,  when,  from  view- 
ing his  natural  powers,  we  follow  him  into  practice, 
and  see  the  uses  to  which  he  applies  them.  Take 
in  the  whole  of  the  prospect,  view  him  in  every  age, 
and  climate,  and  nation,  in  every  condition  and  pe- 
riod of  society.    Where  now  do  you  discover  the 


HUMAN    NATURE.  29 

characters  of  his  exalted  nature  ?  •'  How  is  the  gold 
become  dim,  and  the  fine  gold  changed!"  How  is 
his  reason  clouded,  his  affections  perverted,  his  con- 
science stupified !  How  do  anger,  and  envy,  and  ha- 
tred, and  revenge,  spring  up  in  his  wretched  bosom ! 
How  is  he  a  slave  to  the  meanest  of  his  appetites  ! 
What  fatal  propensities  does  he  discover  to  evil 
What  inaptitude  to  good  ! 

Dwell  awhile  on  the  state  of  the  ancient  world ; 
not  merely  on  that  benighted  part  of  it  where  all  lay 
buried  in  brutish  ignoKince  and  barbarism,  but  on 
the  seats  of  civilized  and  polished  nations,  on  the 
empire  of  taste,  and  learning,  and  philosophy :  )'et 
in  these  chosen  regions,  with  whatever  luster  the 
sun  of  science  poured  forth  its  rays,  the  moral  dark- 
ness was  so  thick  "  that  it  might  be  felt."  Behold 
their  sottish  idolatries,  their  absurd  superstitions, 
their  want  of  natural  affection,  their  brutal  excesses, 
their  unfeeling  oppression,  their  savage  cruelty ! 
Look  not  to  the  illiterate  and  the  vulgar,  but  to  the 
learned  and  refined.  Form  not  your  ideas  from  the 
conduct  of  the  less  restrained  and  more  licentious ; 
you  will  turn  away  with  disgust  and  shame  from  the 
allowed  and  familiar  habits  of  the  decent  and  the 
moral.  St.  Paul  best  states  the  foots,  and  furnishes 
the  explanation;  "Because  they  did  not  like  to  re- 
tain God  in  their  knowledge,  he  gave  them  over  to 
a  reprobate  mind." 

Now  direct  your  view  to  anothei  quarter,  to  the 
3» 


30  CORRUPTION  O* 

aborigines  of  a  new  hemisphere,  where  the  baneful 
practices  and  contagious  example  of  the  old  world 
had  never  traveled.  Surely,  among  these  children 
of  nature  we  may  expect  to  find  those  virtuous  ten- 
dencies for  which  we  have  hitherto  looked  in  vain. 
Alas  !  our  search  will  still  be  fruitless  !  They  are 
represented  by  the  historian  of  America,  (whose  ac- 
count is  more  favorable  than  those  of  some  other 
great  authorities,)  as  being  a  compound  of  pride,  and 
indolence,  and  selfishness,  and  cunning,  and  cruelty ; 
fyll  of  a  revenge  which  nothing  could  satiate,  of  a 
ferocity  which  nothing  could  soften  ;  strangers  to  the 
most  amiable  sensibilities  of  nature.*  They  appeared 
incapable  of  conjugal  affection,  or  parental  fondness, 
or  filial  reverence,  or  social  attachments ;  uniting,  too, 
with  their  state  of  barbarism,  many  of  the  vices  and 
weaknesses  of  polished  society.  Their  horrid  treat- 
ment of  captives  taken  in  war,  on  whose  bodies  they 
feasted,  after  putting  them  to  death  by  the  most  cruel 
tortures,  is  so  well  known  that  we  may  spare  the 
disgusting  recital.  No  commendable  qualities  re- 
lieve this  gloomy  picture,  except  fortitude  and  perse- 
verance, and  zeal  for  the  welfare  of  their  little  com- 
munity, if  this  last  quality,  exercised  and  directed 
as  it  was,  can  be  thought  deserving  of  commendation. 
But  you  give  up  the  heathen  nations  as  indefensi- 
ble, and  wish  rather  to  form  your  estimate  of  man 

♦  Reberlsoo,  vol.  u.  pp.  130,  90,  91. 


HUMAN    NATURE.  31 

from  a  view  of  countries  which  have  been  blessed 
with  the  light  of  revelation.  True  it  is,  and  with 
joy  let  us  record  the  concession,  Christianity  has 
set  the  general  tone  of  morals  much  higher  than  it 
was  ever  found  in  the  pagan  world.  She  has  every 
where  improved  the  character  and  multiplied  the 
comforts  of  society,  particularly  to  the  poor  and  the 
weak,  whom,  from  the  beginning,  she  professed  to 
take  under  her  special  patronage.  Like  her  Divine 
Author,  '•  who  sends  his  rain  on  the  evil  and  on  the 
good,"  she  showers  down  unnumbered  blessings  on 
thousands  who  profit  from  her  bounty,  while  they 
forget  or  deny  her  power,  and  set  at  naught  her  au- 
thority. Yet,  even  in  this  more  favored  situation,we 
shall  discover  too  many  lamentable  proofs  of  the 
depravity  of  man.  Nay,  this  depravity  will  now 
become  even  more  apparent  and  less  deniable.  For 
what  bars  does  it  not  now  overleap?  Over  what 
motives  is  it  not  now  victorious  ?  Consider  well  the 
superior  light  and  advantages  which  we  enjoy,  and 
then  appreciate  the  superior  obligations  which  are 
imposed  on  us.  Consider  in  how  many  cases  our 
evil  propensities  are  now  kept  from  breaking  forth, 
by  the  superior  restraints  under  which  vice  is  laid 
among  us  by  positive  laws,  and  by  the  amended 
standard  of  public  opinion.  Consider,  then,  the  supe- 
rior excellence  of  our  moral  code,  the  new  principles 
of  obedience  furnished  by  the  Gospel;  and  above  all, 
the  awful  sanction  which  the  dectrines  and  precepts 


dxi  CORRUPTION  OF 

of  Christianity  derive  from  the  clear  discovery  of  a 
future  state  of  retribution,  and  from  the  annunciation 
of  that  tremendous  day  "  when  we  shall  stand  be- 
fore the  judgment-seat  of  Christ."  Yet,  in  spite  of 
all  our  knowledge,  thus  enforced  and  pressed  home 
by  this  solemn  notice,  how  little  has  been  our  pro- 
gress in  virtue !  It  has  been  by  no  means  such  as 
to  prevent  the  adoption,  in  our  days,  of  various  max- 
ims of  antiquity,  which,  when  well  considered,  clearly 
establish  the  depravity  of  man.  It  may  not  be  amiss 
to  adduce  a  few  instances  in  proof  of  this  assertion. 
It  is  now  no  less  acknowledged  than  heretofore,  that 
prosperity  hardens  the  heart ;  that  unlimited  power 
is  ever  abused,  instead  of  being  rendered  the  instru- 
ment of  diffusing  happiness ;  that  habits  of  vice  grow 
up  of  themselves,  whilst  those  of  virtue,  if  to  be  ob- 
tained at  all,  are  of  slow  and  difficult  formation  ;  that 
those  who  draw  the  finest  pictures  of  virtue,  and 
seem  most  enamored  of  her  charms,  are  often  the 
least  under  her  influence,  and  by  the  merest  trifles 
are  drawn  aside  from  that  line  of  conduct  which 
they  most  strongly  and  seriously  recommend  to 
others;  that  all  this  takes  place,  though  most  of  the 
pleasures  of  vice  are  to  be  found  with  less  alloy  in 
the  paths  of  virtue ;  whilst  at  the  same  time  these 
paths  afford  superior  and  more  exquisite  delights, 
peculiar  to  themselves,  and  are  free  from  the  diseases 
and  bitter  remorse,  at  the  price  of  which  vicious 
gratifications  are  so  often  purchased. 


HUMAN  NATURE.  33 

It  may  suffice  to  touch  very  slightly  on  some  other 
arguments ;  one  of  these  (the  justice  of  which,  how- 
ever denied  by  superficial  moralists,  parents  of  strict 
principles  can  abundantly  testify,)  may  be  drawn 
from  the  perverse  and  fro  ward  dispositions  perceiv- 
able in  children,  which  it  is  the  business  and  some- 
times the  ineffectual  attempt  of  education  to  reform. 
Another  may  be  drawn  from  the  various  deceits  we 
are  apt  to  practice  on  ourselves,  to  which  no  one  can 
be  a  stranger  who  has  ever  contemplated  the  opera- 
tions of  his  own  mind  with  serious  attention.  To  the 
influence  of  this  species  of  corruption  it  has  been  in 
a  great  degree  owing  that  Christianity  itself  has 
been  too  often  disgraced.  It  has  been  turned  into 
an  engine  of  cruelty,  and,  amidst  the  bitterness  of 
persecution,  every  trace  has  disappeared  of  the  mild 
and  beneficent  spirit  of  the  religion  of  Jesus.  In 
what  degree  must  the  taint  have  worked  itself  into 
the  frame,  and  have  corrupted  the  habit,  when  the 
most  wholesome  nutriment  can  be  thus  converted  into 
the  deadliest  poison  !  Wishing  always  to  argue  from 
such  premises  as  are  not  only  really  sound,  but  from 
such  as  cannot  even  be  questioned  by  those  to  whom 
this  work  is  addressed,  little  was  said  in  representing 
the  deplorable  state  of  the  heathen  world,  respecting 
their  defective  and  unworthy  conceptions  in  what 
regards  the  Supreme  Being,  who  even  then,  how- 
ever, "  left  not  himself  without  witness,  but  gave 
th«m  rain  and  fruitful  seasons,  filling  their  hearts 


84  CORRUPTION  OF 

with  food  and  gladness."  But  surely  to  any  who 
call  themselves  Christians,  it  may  be  justly  urged  as 
an  astonishing  instance  of  human  depravity,  that  we 
ourselves,  who  enjoy  the  full  light  of  revelation;  to 
whom  God  has  vouchsafed  such  clear  discoveries 
of  what  it  concerns  us  to  know  of  his  being  and 
attributes ;  who  profess  to  believe  "  that  in  him  we 
live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being ;"  that  to  him  we 
owe  all  the  comforts  we  here  enjoy,  and  the  offer  of 
eternal  glory,  purchased  for  us  by  the  atoning  blood 
of  his  own  Son  ;  "  thanks  be  to  God  for  his  unspeak- 
able gift;"  that  we,  thus  loaded  with  mercies, 
should,  every  one  of  us,  be  continually  chargeable 
with  forgetting  his  authority,  and  being  ungrateful 
for  his  benefits :  with  slighting  his  gracious  pro- 
posals, or  receiving  them,  at  best,  but  heartlessly 
and  coldly. 

But  to  put  the  question  concerning  the  natural 
depravity  of  man  to  the  severest  test ;  take  the  best 
of  the  human  species,  the  watchful,  diligent,  self-de- 
nying Christian,  and  let  him  decide  the  controversy ; 
and  that,  not  by  inferences  drawn  from  the  practices 
of  a  thoughtless  and  dissolute  world,  but  by  an  ap- 
peal to  his  personal  experience.  Go  with  him  into 
his  closet,  ask  him  his  opinion  of  the  corruption  of 
the  heart,  and  he  will  tell  you  that  he  is  deeply  sen- 
sible of  its  power,  for  that  he  has  learned  it  from 
much  self-observation,  and  long  acquaintance  with 
the  workings  of  his  own  mind.     He  will  tell  you, 


HUMAN  NATrRS.  86 

that  every  day  strengthens  this  conviction ;  yea,  that 
hourly  he  sees  fresh  reason  to  deplore  his  want  of 
simplicity  in  intention,  his  infirmity  of  purpose,  his 
low  views,  his  selfish  unworthy  desires,  his  back- 
wardness to  set  about  his  duty,  his  languor  and  cold- 
ness in  performing  it :  that  he  finds  himself  obliged 
continually  to  confess  that  he  feels  within  him  two 
opposite  principles,  and  that  "  he  cannot  do  the  things 
that  he  would."  He  cries  out,  in  the  language  of  the 
excellent  Hooker,  "  The  little  fruit  which  we  have 
in  holiness,  it  is,  God  knoweth,  corrupt  and  unsound  : 
we  put  no  confidence  at  all  in  it,  we  challenge  no- 
thing in  the  world  for  it,  we  dare  not  call  God  to  reck- 
oning, as  if  we  had  him  in  our  debt  books ;  our  con- 
tinual suit  to  him  is,  and  must  be,  to  bear  with  our 
infirmities,  and  pardon  our  offences." 

Such  is  the  moral  historj',  such  the  condition  of 
man.  The  figures  of  the  piece  may  vary,  and  the 
coloring  is  sometimes  of  a  darker,  sometimes  of  a 
lighter  hue ;  but  the  principles  of  the  composition, 
ihe  grand  outlines,  are  every  where  the  same. 
Wherever  we  direct  our  view,  we  discover  the  me- 
lancholy proofs  of  our  depravity ;  whether  we  look 
to  ancient  or  modern  times,  to  barbarous  or  civilized 
nations,  to  the  conduct  of  the  world  around  us,  or  to 
the  monitor  within  the  breast ;  whether  we  read,  or 
hear,  or  act,  or  think,  or  feel,  the  same  humiliating 
Jesson  is  forced  upon  us. 

Now  when  we  look  back  to  the  picture  which  was 


36  CORRUPTION  Of 

formerly  drawn  of  the  natural  powers  of  man,  and 
compare  this,  his  actual  state,  with  that  for  which, 
from  a  consideration  of  those  powers,  he  seems  to 
have  been  originally  calculated,  how  are  we  to  ac- 
count for  the  astonishing  contrast  ?  Will  frailty,  or 
infirmity,  or  occasional  lapses,  or  sudden  surprisals, 
or  any  such  qualifying  terms,  convey  an  adequate 
idea  of  the  nature,  or  point  out  the  cause  of  the  dis- 
temper ?  Hov/  can  we  account  for  it,  hut  by  conceiv- 
ing that  man,  since  he  came  out  of  the  hands  of  his 
Creator,  has  contracted  a  taint,  and  that  this  subtle 
poison  has  been  communicated  throughout  the  race 
of  Adam,  every  where  exhibiting  incontestable  marks 
of  its  fatal  malignity  ?  Hence  it  has  arisen,  that  the 
appetites  deriving  new  strength,  and  the  powers  of 
reason  and  conscience  being  weakened,  the  latter 
have  feebly  and  impotently  pleaded  against  those 
forbidden  indulgences  which  the  former  have  soli- 
cited. Sensual  gratifications  and  illicit  affections 
have  debased  our  nobler  powers,  and  indisposed  our 
hearts  to  the  discovery  of  God,  and  to  the  conside- 
ration of  his  perfections  ;  to  a  constant,  Avilling  sub- 
mission to  his  authority,  and  obedience  to  his  laws. 
By  a  repetition  of  vicious  acts,  evil  habits  have  heen. 
formed  within  us,  and  have  riveted  the  fetters  of  sin. 
Left  to  the  consequences  of  our  own  folly,  the  under- 
standing has  grown  darker,  and  the  heart  more  ob- 
durate ;  reason  has  at  length  altogether  betrayed  her 
trust,  and  even  conscience  herself  has  aided  the 


HUMAN    NATURE.  37 

delusion,  till,  instead  of  deploring  our  miserable 
slavery,  we  have  too  often  hugged,  and  even  gloried 
in  our  chains. 

Such  is  the  general  account  of  the  progress  of 
vice,  where  it  is  suffered  to  attain  to  its  full  growth 
in  the  human  heart.  The  circumstances  of  indi- 
viduals will  be  found  indeed  to  differ,  but  none  are 
ahogether  free ;  all,  without  exception,  in  a  greater 
or  less  degree,  bear  about  them,  more  visible  or  more 
concealed,  the  ignominious  marks  of  their  captivity. 

Such,  on  a  full  and  fair  investigation,  must  be 
confessed  to  be  the  state  of  facts ;  and  how  can  this 
be  accounted  for  on  any  other  supposition,  than  that 
of  some  original  taint,  some  radical  principle  of  cor- 
ruption? All  other  solutions  are  unsatisfactory, 
whilst  the  potent  cause  which  has  been  assigned 
does  abundantly,  and  can  alone  sufficiently  account 
for  the  effect.  Thus,  then,  it  appears  that  the  cor- 
ruption of  human  nature  is  proved  by  the  same  mode 
of  reasoning  as  has  been  deemed  conclusive  in  es- 
tablishing the  existence,  and  ascertaining  the  laws 
of  the  principle  of  gravitation  ;  that  the  doctrine  rests 
on  the  same  solid  basis  as  the  sublime  philosophy 
of  Newton ;  that  it  is  not  a  mere  speculation,  and 
therefore  an  uncertain,  though  perhaps  an  ingenious 
theory,  but  the  sure  result  of  a  large  and  actual  ex- 
periment, deduced  from  incontestable  facts,  and  still 
more  fully  approving  its  truth,  by  harmonizing  with 
the  several  parts,  and  accounting  for  the  various  phe- 
4 


38  CORRUPTION    OF 

nomena,  jarring  otherwise  and  inexplicable,  of  tho 
great  system  of  the  universe. 

Revelation,  however,  here  comes  in,  and  sustains 
the  fallible  conjectures  of  our  unassisted  reason.  The 
holy  Scriptures  speak  of  us  as  fallen  creatures ;  in 
almost  every  page  we  shall  find  something  that  is 
calculated  to  abate  the  loftiness  and  silence  the  pre- 
tensions of  man.  "  The  imagination  of  man's  heart 
is  evil,  from  his  youth."  "What  is  man,  that  he 
should  be  clean  ?  and  he  which  is  born  of  a  woman, 
that  he  should  be  righteous?"  Job,  15:  14.  ''How 
much  more  abominable  and  filthy  is  man,  w^hich 
drinketh  iniquity  like  water!"  Job,  15:  16.  "The 
Lord  looked  down  from  heaven  upon  the  children 
of  men,  to  see  if  there  were  any  that  did  understand, 
and  seek  God.  They  are  all  gone  aside  ;  they  are 
altogether  become  filthy ;  there  is  none  that  doeth 
good,  no,  not  one."  Ps.  14 :  2,  3.  "Who  can  say,  I 
have  made  my  heart  clean,  I  am  pure  from  my  sinC^" 
l^rov.  20 : 9.  "  The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things, 
nud  desperately  wicked:  who  can  know  it?"  "Be- 
hold, I  was  shapen  in  iniquity,  and  in  sin  did  my 
mother  conceive  me  "  "  We  were  by  nature  the  chil- 
dren of  wrath,  even  as  others,  fulfilling  the  desires  of 
the  flesh  and  of  the  mind."  "  O  wretched  man  that 
I  am  !  who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this 
death?"  Passages  might  be  multiplied  upon  pas- 
sages, which  speak  the  same  language,  and  these 
again  might  be  illustrated  and  confirmed  at  large  by 


HUMAN    NATURE.  39 

various  other  considerations,  drawn  from  the  same 
sacrea  source:  such  as  those  which  represent  a 
thorough  change,  a  renovation  of  our  nature,  as  be- 
ing necessary  to  our  becoming  true  Christians  ;  or 
as  those,  also,  which  are  suggested  by  observing 
that  holy  men  refer  their  good  dispositions  and  af- 
fections to  the  immediate  agency  of  the  Supreme 
Being. 

SECTION    II. 

Evil  spirit. — Natural  state  of  man. 

In  addition  to  all  which  has  been  yet  stated,  the 
word  of  God  instructs  us,  that  we  have  to  contend 
not  only  with  our  own  natural  depravity,  but  with 
the  power  of  darkness,  the  evil  spirit,  who  rules  in 
the  hearts  of  the  wicked,  and  whose  dominion,  we 
learn  from  Scripture,  is  so  general,  as  to  entitle  him 
to  the  denomination  of  "  the  prince  of  this  world." 
There  cannot  be  a  stronger  proof  of  the  difference 
^vhich  exists  between  the  religious  system  of  the 
Scriptures,  and  that  of  the  bulk  of  nominal  Chris- 
tians, than  the  proof  Avhich  is  afforded  by  the  subject 
now  in  question.  The  existence  and  agency  of  the 
evil  spirit,  though  so  distinctly  and  repeatedly  af- 
firmed in  Scripture,  are  regarded  by  many  as  a  pre- 
judice, which  it  w^ould  now  be  a  discredit  to  any  man 
of  understanding  to  believe.  But  to  be  consistent  with 
ourselves,  we  might,  on  the  same  principle,  deny  the 


40  CORRUPTION    OF 

reality  of  all  other  incorporeal  beings.  What  is 
there,  in  truth,  in  the  doctrine,  which  is  in  itself  im- 
probable, or  which  is  not  confirmed  by  analogy  ? 
We  see,  in  fact,  that  there  are  wicked  men,  enemies 
to  God,  and  malignant  towards  their  fellow-creatures, 
who  take  pleasure,  and  often  succeed,  in  drawing  in 
others  to  the  commission  of  evil.  Why  then  should 
it  be  deemed  incredible  that  there  may  be  one  or 
more  spiritual  intelligences  of  similar  natures  and 
propensities,  who  may,  in  like  manner,  be  permitted 
to  tempt  men  to  the  practice  of  sin  ?  Surely  we  may 
retort  upon  our  opponents  the  charge  of  absurdity, 
and  justly  accuse  them  of  gross  inconsistency,  in 
admitting,  without  difficulty,  the  existence  and  ope- 
ration of  these  qualities  in  a  material  being,  and  yet 
denying  them  in  an  immaterial  one,  in  direct  con- 
tradiction to  the  authority  of  Scripture,  which  they 
allow  to  be  conclusive,  when  they  cannot,  and  will 
not  pretend,  for  a  moment,  that  there  is  any  thing  be- 
longing to  the  nature  of  matter,  to  which  these  quali- 
ties naturally  adhere. 

But  to  dilate  no  farther  on  a  topic  which,  however 
it  may  excite  the  ridicule  of  the  inconsiderate,  will 
suggest  matter  of  serious  apprehension  to  all  who 
form  their  opinions  on  the  authority  of  the  word  of 
God  ;  thus  brought  as  we  are  into  captivity,  and  ex- 
posed to  danger ;  depraved  and  weakened  within, 
and  tempted  from  without ;  it  might  well  fill  our 
hearts  with  anxiety  to  reflect,  that  the  day  will  come, 


HUMAN    NATURE.  41 

when  "  the  heavens,  being  on  fire,  shall  be  dissolved, 
and  the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat ;" 
*'  when  the  dead,  small  and  great,  shall  stand  before" 
the  tribunal  of  *'  God,"  and  we  shall  have  to  give 
account  of  all  things  done  in  the  body.  We  are  na- 
turally prompted  to  turn  over  the  page  of  revelation 
with  solicitude,  in  order  to  discover  the  qualities  and 
character  o*f  our  Judge,  and  the  probable  principles 
of  his  determination ;  but  this  only  serves  to  turn 
painful  apprehension  into  fixed  and  certain  terror. 
First,  of  the  qualities  of  our  Judge.  As  all  nature 
bears  witness  to  his  irresistible  power,  so  we  read 
in  Scripture,  that  nothing  can  escape  his  observation, 
or  elude  his  discovery;  not  our  actions  only, but  our 
most  secret  cogitations  are  open  to  his  view.  "  He 
is  about  our  path  and  about  our  bed,  and  spieth  out 
all  our  ways,"  Psalm  139  :  3.  "  The  Lord  search 
eth  all  hearts,  and  understandeth  all  the  imagina- 
tions of  the  thoughts,"  1  Chron.  28 :  9.  "  And  he* 
will  bring  to  light  the  hidden  things  of  darkness, 
and  will  make  inanifest  the  counsels  of  the  heart." 
Now,  hear  his  description  and  character,  and  the 
rule  of  his  award  :  "  The  Lord  our  God  is  a  con- 
suming file,  even  a  jealous  God."  *'  He  is  of  purer 
eyes  than  to  behold  iniquity."  "  The  soul  that  sin- 
neth,  it  shall  die."  "  The  wages  of  sin  is  death." 
These  positive  declarations  are  enforced  by  the  ac- 
counts which,  for  our  warning,  we  read  in  sacred 
history,  of  the  terrible  vengeance  of  the  Almighty  j 
4* 


42  CORRUPTION    OF 

his  punishment  of  •'  the  angels  who  kept  not  their 
first  estate,  and  whom  he  hath  reserved  in  everlasting 
chains,  under  darkness,  unto  the  judgment  of  the 
great  day:"  the  fate  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah;  the 
sentence  issued  against  the  idolatrous  nations  of 
Canaan,  and  of  which  the  execution  was  assigned  to 
the  Israelites,  by  the  express  commant^  of  God,  at 
their  own  peril,  in  case  of  disobedience*:  the  ruin  of 
Babylon,  and  of  Tyre,  and  of  Nineveh,  and  of  Jeru- 
salem, prophetically  denounced  as  the  punishment 
of  their  crimes,  and  taking  place  in  an  exact  and 
terrible  accordance  with  the  Divine  predictions. 
These  are,  indeed,  matters  of  awful  perusal,  suffi- 
cient, surely,  to  confound  the  fallacious  confidence 
of  any  who,  on  the  ground  that  our  Creator  must  be 
aware  of  our  natural  weakness,  and  must  be  of  course 
disposed  to  allow  for  it,  should  allege  that,  though 
unable,  indeed,  to  justify  ourselves  in  the  sight  of 
God,  we  need  not  give  way  to  such  gloomy  appre- 
hensions, but  might  throw  ourselves,  with  assured 
hope,  on  the  infinite  benevolence  of  the  Supreme 
Being.  It  is  indeed  true,  that  with  the  threatenings 
of  the  word  of  God  there  are  mixed  many  gracious 
declarations  of  pardon,  on  repentance  and  thorough 
amendment.  But,  alas!  who  of  us  is  there,  whose 
conscience  must  not  reproach  him  with  having  tri- 
fled with  the  long-suffering  of  God,  and  with  having 
but  ill  kept  the  resolutions  of  amendment  which  he 
had  some  lime  or  other  formed  in  the  seasons  of  re 


HUMAN    NATURE.  43 

collection  and  remorse  ?  And  how  is  the  disquietude 
naturally  excited  by  such  a  retrospect,  confirmed  and 
heightened  by  passages  like  these  !  "  Because  I  have 
called,  and  ye  refused;  I  have  stretched  out  my 
hand,  and  no  man  regarded ;  but  ye  have  set  at 
naught  all  my  counsel,  and  would  none  of  my  re- 
proof: I  also  will  laugh  at  your  calamity;  I  will 
mock  when  your  fear  cometh;  when  your  fear 
Cometh  as  desolation,  and  your  destruction  cometh 
as  a  whirlwind ;  when  distress  and  anguish  cometh 
upon  you.  Then  shall  they  call  upon  me,  but  I  will 
not  answer ;  they  shall  seek  me  early,  but  they  shall 
not  find  me :  for  that  they  hated  knowledge,  and  did 
not  choose  the  fear  of  the  Lord."  Prov.  1 :  24-29.  The 
apprehensions  which  must  be  excited  by  thus  read- 
ing the  recorded  judgments  and  awful  language  of 
Scripture,  are  confirmed  to  the  inquisitive  and  at- 
tentive mind,  by  a  close  observation  of  the  moral 
constitution  of  the  world.  Such  a  one  will  find  oc- 
casion to  remark,  that  all  which  has  been  suggested 
of  the  final  consequences  of  vice,  is  in  strict  analogy 
to  what  we  may  observe  in  the  ordinary  course,  of 
human  affairs,  wherein  God  has  established  such  an 
order  of  causes  and  effects  as  loudly  proclaims  the 
principles  of  his  moral  government,  and  strongly 
suggests  that  vice  and  imprudence  will  finally  ter- 
minate in  misery,  however  interrupted  here  below, 
by  hinderances  and  obstructions  apparently  of  a  tern* 


44  CORRUPTION    OF 

porary  nature.*  Not  that  this  species  of  proof  was 
wanted ;  for  that  which  we  must  acknowledge,  on 
weighing  the  evidence,  to  be  a  revelation  from  God, 
requires  not  the  aid  of  such  a  confirmation  :  but  yet, 
as  this  accordance  might  be  expected  between  the 
words  and  the  w^orks,  the  past  and  the  future  ordi- 
nations of  the  same  Almighty  Being,  it  is  no  idle 
speculation  to  remark,  that  the  visible  constitution 
of  things  in  the  world  around  us  falls  in  with  the 
representations  here  given  from  Scripture,  of  the 
dreadful  consequences  of  vice,  nay,  even  of  what'  is 
commonly  termed  inconsideratenessand  imprudence. 
If  such  then  be  indeed  our  sad  condition,  what  is 
to  be  done  ?  Is  there  no  hope  ?  nothing  left  for  us 
"  but  a  fearful  looking  for  of  judgment,  and  fiery  in- 
dignation, which  shall  devour  the  adversaries  ?" 
Heb.  10  :  27.  Blessed  be  God  !  we  are  not  shut  up 
irrecoverably  in  this  sad  condition  :  "  Turn  you  to 
the  strong  hold,  ye  prisoners  of  hope ;  "  hear  one 
who  proclaims  his  designation,  "  to  heal  the  broken- 
hearted, to  preach  liberty  to  the  captives,  and  reco- 
vering of  sight  to  the  blind.  "  Those  who  have 
formed  a  true  notion  of  their  lost  and  helpless  state, 
will  most  gladly  listen  to  the  sound,  and  most  justly 
estimate  the  value  of  such  a  deliverance.  And  this 
is  the  cause,  which  renders  it  of  such  pressing  mo- 
ment not  to  pass  cursorily  over  those  important  tc 

♦  Vide  Butler's  Analogy. 


HUMAN    NATURE.  45 

pics  of  the  original  and  superinduced  corruption  and 
weakness  of  man  ;  a  discussion  painful  and  humili- 
ating to  the  pride  of  human  nature,  to  which  the 
mind  lends  itself  with  difficulty,  and  hearkens  with 
a  mixture  of  anger  and  disgust ;  but  well  suited  to 
our  case,  and,  like  the  distasteful  lessons  of  adversi- 
ty, permanently  useful  in  its  consequences.  It  is 
here,  never  let  it  be  forgotten,  that  our  foundation 
must  be  laid ;  otherwise  our  superstructure,  what- 
ever we  may  think  of  it,  will  one  day  or  other  prove 
tottering  and  insecure.  This  is  therefore  no  meta- 
physical speculation,  but  a  practical  matter.  Slight 
and  superficial  conceptions  of  our  state  of  natural 
degradation,  and  of  our  insufficiency  to  recover  from 
it  of  ourselves,  fall  in  too  well  with  our  natural  in- 
considerateness,  and  produce  that  fatal  insensibility 
to  the  Divine  warning  to  "  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come,"  which  we  cannot  but  observe  to  prevail  so 
generally.  Having  no  due  sense  of  the  malignity  of 
our  disease,  and  of  its  dreadful  issue,  we  do  not  set 
ourselves  to  work  in  earnest  to  obtain  the  remedy 
as  to  a  business,  arduous  indeed,  but  indispensable  : 
for  it  must  ever  be  carefully  remembered,  that  this 
deliverance  is  not  forced  on  us,  but  offered  to  us  ;  w^e 
ure  furnished,  indeed,  with  every  help,  and  are  always 
to  bear  in  mind  that  we  are  unable,  of  ourselves,  to 
will  or  to  do  rightly ;  but  we  are  plainly  admonished 
to  '•  work  out  our  own  salvation  with  fear  and  trem- 
bling."   Philippians,  2:  12.    Watchful,  for  we  are 


46  CORRUPTION  or 

encorapassed  with  dangers  ;  "  putting  on  the  whole 
armor  of  God,"  for  "  we  are  beset  with  enemies." 

May  we  be  enabled  to  shake  off  that  lethargy 
which  is  so  apt  to  creep  upon  us  !  For  this  end,  a 
deep  practical  conviction  of  our  natural  depravity 
and  weakness  will  be  found  of  eminent  advantage. 
As  it  is  by  this  we  must  at  first  be  roused  from  our 
fallacious  security,  so  by  this  we  must  be  kept  wake- 
ful and  active  unto  the  end.  Let  us  therefore  make 
it  our  business  to  have  this  doctrine  firmly  seated  in 
our  understandings,  and  radically  worked  into  our 
hearts.  With  a  view  to  the  former  of  these  ob- 
jects, we  should  often  seriously  and  attentively  con- 
sider the  firm  ground  on  which  it  rests.  It  is  plain- 
ly made  known  to  us  by  the  light  of  nature,  and  ir- 
resistibly enforced  on  us  by  the  dictates  of  our  un- 
derstandings. But,  lest  there  should  be  any  so 
obstinately  dull  as  not  to  discern  the  force  of  the 
evidence  suggested  to  our  reason  and  confirmed  by 
all  experience,  or  rather  so  heedless  as  not  to  notice 
it,  the  authoritative  stamp  of  revelation  is  superad 
ded,  to  complete  the  proof;  and  we  must  therefore 
be  altogether  inexcusable,  if  we  still  remain  un- 
convinced by  such  an  accumulated  mass  of  argu- 
ment. 

But  we  must  not  only  assent  to  the  doctrine  clear- 
ly, but  feel  it  strongly.  To  this  end,  let  us  accus- 
tom ourselves  to  refer  to  our  natural  depravity,  as 
to  their  primary  cause,  the  sad  instances  of  vice  and 


HUMAN    NATURE.  47 

folly  of  which  we  read,  or  which  we  see  around  us, 
or  to  which  we  feel  the  propensities  in  our  own 
hosoms ;  ever  vigilant  and  distrustful  of  ourselves, 
and  looking  with  an  eye  of  kindness  and  pity  on  the 
faults  and  infirmities  of  others,  whom  we  should 
learn  to  regard  with  the  same  tender  concern  as 
that  with  which  the  sick  are  used  to  sympathize 
with  those  who  are  suffering  under  the  same  dis- 
temper as  themselves.  This  lesson  once  well  ac- 
quired, we  shall  feel  the  benefit  of  it  in  all  our  future 
progress ;  and  though  it  be  a  lesson  which  we  are 
slow  to  learn,  it  is  one  in  which  study  and  experi- 
ence, the  incidents  of  every  day,  and  every  fresh  ob- 
servation of  the  workings  of  our  own  hearts,  will 
gradually  concur  to  perfect  us.  Let  it  not,  after  all, 
then,  be  our  reproach,  and  at  length  our  ruin,  that 
these  abundant  means  of  instruction  are  possessed 
in  vain. 

SECTION    III. 

Corruption  of  human  nature. —  Objection, 

But  there  is  one  difficulty  still  behind,  more  for- 
midable than  all  the  rest.  The  pride  of  man  is  loth 
to  be  humbled.  Forced  to  abandon  the  plea  of  in- 
nocAice,  and  pressed  so  closely  that  he  can  no  long- 
er escape  from  the  conclusion  to  which  we  would 
drive  him,  some  more  bold  objector,  endeavoring  to 
justify  what  he  cannot  deny,  "  Whatever  I  am,"  he 


48  CORRUPTION    OP 

contends,  "  I  am  what  my  Creator  made  me.  If  this 
plea  cannot  establish  my  innocence,  it  must  excuse, 
or  at  least  extenuate  my  guilt.  Frail  and  weak  as  I 
am,  a  Being  of  infinite  justice  and  goodness  will 
never  try  me  by  a  rule  which,  however  equitable 
in  the  case  of  creatures  of  a  higher  nature,  is  alto- 
gether disproportionate  to  mine." 

Let  not  my  readers  be  alarmed !  The  writer  is 
not  going  to  enter  into  the  discussion  of  the  grand 
question  concerning  the  origin  of  moral  evil,  or  to 
attempt  at  large  to  reconcile  its  existence,  and  con- 
sequent punishment,  with  the  acknowledged  attri- 
butes and  perfections  of  God.  These  are  questions, 
of  which,  if  one  may  judge  from  the  little  success 
with  which  the  acUtest  and  profoundest  reasoners 
have  been  ever  laboring  to  solve  the  difficulties  they 
contain,  the  full  and  clear  comprehension  is  above 
the  intellect  of  man.  Yet,  as  such  an  objection  as 
that  which  has  been  stated  is  sometimes  heard  from 
the  mouths  of  professed  Christians,  it  must  not  be 
passed  by  without  a  few  short  observations. 

Were  the  language  in  question  to  be  addressed  to 
us  by  an  avowed  sceptic,  though  it  might  not  be 
very  difficult  to  expose  to  him  the  futility  of  his  rea- 
sonings, we  should  almost  despair  of  satisfying  him 
of  the  soundness  of  our  own.  We  should  perha?[)S 
suggest  impossibilities,  which  might  stand  in  the 
way  of  such  a  system  as  he  would  establish;  we 
might,  indeed,  point  out  wherein  (arguing  from  con- 


HTMAN'    NATURE.  49 

cessions  which  he  would  freely  make)  his  precon- 
ceptions concerning  the  conduct  of  the  Supreme  Be- 
ing had  been,  in  fact,  already  contradicted,  particu- 
larly by  the  existence  at  all  of  natural  or  moral  evil ; 
and  if  thus  proved  erroneous  in  one  instance,  why 
might  they  not  be  so  likewise  in  another?  But 
though,  by  these  and  similar  arguments,  we  might  at 
length  silence  our  objector,  we  could  not  much  ex- 
pect to  bring  him  over  to  our  opinions.  We  should 
probably  do  better,  if  we  were  to  endeavor  rather  to 
draw  him  off  from  these  dark  and  slippery  regions, 
and  to  contend  with  him  on  sure  ground,  and  in  tho 
light  of  day.  Then  we  might  fairly  lay  before  him 
all  the  various  arguments  for  the  truth  of  our  holy 
religion  ;  arguments  which  have  been  sufficient  to 
satisfy  the  wisest,  and  the  best,  and  the  ablest  of  men. 
We  should  afterwards,  perhaps,  insist  on  the  abun- 
dant confirmation  Christianity  receives  from  its  being 
exactly  suited  to  the  nature  and  wants  of  man  ;  and 
we  might  conclude  with  fairly  putting  it  to  him, 
whether  all  this  weight  of  evidence  were  to  be  over- 
balanced by  this  one  difficulty,  on  a  subject  so  con- 
fessedly high  and  mysterious,  considering  that  we 
see  but  a  part  (O  how  small  a  part !)  of  the  universal 
creation  of  God,  and  that  our  faculties  are  wholly 
incompetent  to  judge  of  the  schemes  of  his  infinite 
wisdom.  This  seems,  at  least  in  general,  the  best 
mode,  in  the  case  of  the  objection  now  in  question, 
of  dealing  with  unbelievers.    To  adopt  the  contrary 


50  CORRUPTION  OF 

plan,  seems  somewhat  like  that  of  any  oneAvho,  hav- 
ing to  convince  some  untutored  Indian  of  the  truth 
of  the  Copernican  system,  instead  of  beginning  with 
plain  and  simple  propositions,  and  leading  him  on 
to  what  is  more  abstruse  and  remote,  should  state  to 
him,  at  the  outset,  some  astonishing  problems,  to 
which  the  understanding  can  only  yield  its  slow  as- 
sent, when  constrained  by  the  decisive  force  of  de- 
monstration. The  novice,  instead  of  lending  him- 
self to  such  a  mistaken  method  of  instruction,  would 
turn  away  in  disgust,  and  be  only  hardened  against 
his  preceptor.  But  it  must  be  remembered  that  the 
present  work  is  addressed  to  those  who  acknowledge 
the  authority  of  the  holy  Scriptures.  And  in  order 
to  convince  all  such  that  there  is  a  fallacy  in  our 
objector's  reasoning,  it  will  be  sufficient  to  establish, 
that  though  the  word  of  God  clearly  asserts  the  jus- 
lice  and  goodness  of  the  Supreme  Being,  and  also 
the  natural  depravity  of  man,  yet  it  no  less  clearly 
lays  down,  that  this  natural  depravity  shall  never  be 
admitted  as  an  excuse  for  sin,  but  that  "  they  which 
have  done  evil,  shall  rise  to  the  resurrection  of  dam- 
uation,'*  John,  5:29;  ''That  the  wicked  shall  be 
turned  into  hell,  and  all  the  people  that  forget  God." 
Psa.  9:17.  And  it  is  worthy  of  remark,  that,  as  if 
for  the  very  purpose  of  more  effectually  silencing 
those  unbelieving  doubts  which  are  ever  springing 
up  in  the  human  heart,  our  blessed  Savior,  though 
the  messenger  of  peace  and  good  will  to  man,  has 


HUMAN   NATURE.  51 

ag-ain  aiid  again  repeated  these  awful  denunciations. 

Nor,  it  must  also  be  remarked,  are  the  holy  Scrip- 
tures less  clear  and  full  in  guarding  us  against  sup- 
posing our  sins,  or  the  dreadful  consequences  of  them, 
to  be  chargeable  on  God.  "  Let  no  man  say,  when 
he  is  tempted,  I  am  tempted  of  God :  for  God  cannot 
be  tempted  with  evil,  neither  tempteth  he  any  man." 
James,  1 :  13.  "The  Lord  is  not  willing  that  any 
should  perish."  3  Peter,  3  :  9.  And  again,  where 
the  idea  is  repelled  as  injurious  to  his  character ; 
"  Have  I  any  pleasure  at  all  that  the  wicked  should 
die  ?  saith  the  Lord  God ;  and  not  that  he  should 
return  from  his  w^ays  and  live?"  Ezek.  18:23. 
"  For  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  him  that 
dieth,  saith  the  Lord  God."  Ezek.  18  :  32.'  Indeed, 
almost  every  page  of  the  word  of  God  contains  some 
warning  or  invitation  to  sinners  ;  and  all  these,  to  a 
considerate  mind,  must  unquestionably  be  proofs  of 
our  present  position. . 

It  has  been  the  more  necessary  not  to  leave  unno- 
ticed the  objection  which  we  have  been  now  refuting, 
because,  when  not  avowed  in  the  daring  language  in 
which  it  has  been  above  stated,  it  may  frequently  be 
observed  in  an  inferior  degree;  and  often,  when  not 
distinctly  formed  into  shape,  it  lurks  in  secret,  dif- 
fusing a  general  cloud  of  doubt  or  unbelief,  or  low- 
ering our  standard  of  right,  or  w^hispering  fallacious 
comfort,  and  producing  a  ruinous  tranquillity.  Let 
us  here  remark,  that  though  the  holy  Scriptures  so 


52  COPwRUPTION   OF 

clearly  state  the  natural  corruption  and  weakness  of 
man,  they,  throughout,  directly  oppose  the  supposi- 
tion that  this  corruption  and  weakness  will  be  ad- 
mitted as  lowering  the  demands  of  divine  justice, 
and  in  some  sort  palliating  our  transgressions  of  the 
jaws  of  God.  Such  a  notion  is  at  war  with  the 
whole  scheme  of  redemption  by  the  atonement  of 
Christ.  But  perhaps  it  may  be  enough,  when  any 
such  suo-o-estions,  as  those  which  we  are  condemn- 
ing,  force  themselves  into  the  imagination  of  a  Chris- 
tian, to  recommend  it  to  him  to  silence  them  by 
what  is  their  best  practical  answer :  that  if  our  na- 
tural condition  be  depraved  and  weak,  our  tempta- 
tions numerous,  and  our  Almighty  Judge  infinitely 
holy ;  yet  that  the  offers  to  penitent  sinners  of  par- 
don, and  grace,  and  strength,  are  universal  and  un- 
limited. Let  it  not  however  surprise  us,  if  in  all 
this  there  seem  to  be  involved  difficulties  which  we 
cannot  fully  comprehend.  How  many  such  every 
where  present  themselves !  Scarcely  is  there  an  ob- 
ject around  us  that  does  not  afford  endless  matter  of 
doubt  and  argument.  The  meanest  reptile  which 
crawls  on  the  earth,  nay,  every  herb  and  flower 
which  we  behold,  baffles  the  imbecility  of  our  limit- 
ed inquiries.  All  nature  calls  upon  us  to  be  hum- 
ble. Can  it  then  be  surprising  if  we  are  at  a  loss 
on  this  question,  which  respects  not  the  properties 
of  matter,  or  of  numbers,  but  the  counsels  and  ways 
of  Him  whose    "  understanding  is  infinite,"   Psalm 


HUMAN    NATURE.  53 

147 :  5.  "  Whose  judgments  are  declared  to  be  un- 
searchable, and  his  ways  past  finding  out  ?"  Rom. 
11:33.  In  this  our  ignorance,  however,  we  may 
calmly  repose  ourselves  on  his  own  declaration,  that 
though  "clouds  and  darkness  are  round  about  him," 
yet  "  righteousness  and  judgment  are  the  habitation 
of  his  throne."  Psalm  97  :  2.  Let  it  also  be  remem- 
bered, that  if  in  Christianity  some  things  are  difficult, 
that  which  it  most  concerns  us  to  know,  is  plain  and 
obvious.  To  this  it  is  true  wisdom  to  attach  our- 
selves, assenting  to  what  is  revealed  where  above 
our  faculties,  (we  do  not  say  contradictory  to  them,) 
on  the  credit  of  what  is  clearly  discerned  and  satis- 
factorily established.  In  truth,  we  are  all  perhaps 
too  apt  to  plunge  into  depths  which  it  is  beyond  our 
power  to  fathom ;  and  it  was  to  warn  us  against  this 
very  error,  that  the  inspired  writer,  when  he  has 
been  threatening  the  people,  whom  God  had  selected 
as  the  objects  of  his  special  favor,  with  the  most 
dreadful  punishments,  if  they  should  forsake  the  law 
of  the  Lord,  and  has  introduced  surrounding  nations 
as  asking  the  meaning  of  the  severe  infliction,  winds 
up  the  whole  with  this  instructive  admonition  :  •'  Se- 
cret things  belong  unto  the  Lord  our  God  ;  but  those 
which  are  revealed  belong  unto  us  and  to  our  chil- 
dren for  ever,  that  we  may  do  all  the  words  of  this 
law."  Deut.  29:29. 

To  any  one  who  is  seriously  impressed  with  a 
sense   of  the   critical  state  in  which  we  are  here 
5* 


54      CORRUPTION  OF  HUMAN  NATURE. 

placed,  it  is  indeed  an  awful  and  an  affecting  specta- 
cle, to  see  men  thus  busying  themselves  in  these  vain 
speculations  of  arrogant  curiosity,  and  trifling  with 
their  dearest,  their  everlasting  interests.  It  is  but'  a 
feeble  illustration  of  this  exquisite  folly,  to  compare 
it  to  the  conduct  of  some  convicted  rebel,  who,  when 
brought  into  the  presence  of  his  sovereign,  instead 
of  seizing  the  occasion  to  sue  for  mercy,  should  even 
neglect  and  trifle  with  the  pardon  which  should  be 
ofTered  to  him,  and  insolently  employ  himself  in  pry- 
ing into  his  sovereign's  designs  and  criticising  his 
counsels.  Our  case,  indeed,  is,  in  another  point  of 
comparison,  but  too  much  like  that  of  the  convicted 
rebel.  But  there  is  this  grand  difference — that,  at 
the  best,  his  success  must  be  uncertain ;  ours,  if  it  be 
not  our  own  fault,  is  sure :  and  while,  on  the  one 
hand,  our  guilt  is  unspeakably  greater  than  that  of 
'duy  rebel  against  an  earthly  monarch ;  so,  on  the 
other,  we  know  that  our  Sovereign  is  "  long-suffer- 
ing, and  easy  to  be  entreated  ;"  more  ready  to  grant, 
than  we  to  ask  forgiveness. 


CHAPTER  III. 


CHIEF  DEFECTS  OF  THE  RELIGIOUS  SYSTEM  OF 
THE  BULK  OF  PROFESSED  CHRISTIANS,  IN  WHAT 
REGARDS  OUR  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST,  AND  THE 
HOLY  SPIRIT WITH  A  DISSERTATION  CONCERN- 
ING THE  USE  OF  THE  PASSIONS  IN  RELIGION. 


SECTION    I. 

Inadequate  conceptions  concerning  ou/r  Savior  and  the 
Holy  Spiri'. 

That  God  so  loved  the  world,  as  of  his  tender 
mercy  to  give  his  only  Son  Jesus  Christ  for  our 
redemption : 

That  our  blessed  Lord  willingly  left  the  glory  of 
the  Father,  and  was  made  man: 

That  "  he  was  despised  and  rejected  of  men ;  a 
man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief:" 

That  "  he  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions  ;" 
and  "  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities  :" 

That  "  the  Lord  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all ;" 

That  at  length  he  humbled  himself  even  to  the 
death  of  the  cross,  for  us,  miserable  sinners;  to  the 


56  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF    OUR 

end  that  all  who,  with  heart)^  repentance  and  true 
faith  should  come  to  him,  might  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life : 

That  he  is  now  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  making 
intercession  for  his  people : 

That,  "  being  reconciled  to  God  by  the  death  of 
his  Son,  we  may  come  boldly  unto  the  throne  o\ 
grace,  to  obtain  mercy  and  find  grace  to  help  in 
time  of  need  :" 

That  our  heavenly  Father  "  will  surely  give  hiy 
Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him  :" 

That  "the  Spirit  of  God  must  dwell  in  us  :"  and 
that  *'  if  any  man  hath  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is 
none  of  his :" 

That  by  this  Divine  influence  "  we  are  to  be  re- 
newed in  knowledge  after  the  image  of  Him  who 
created  us,"  and  "to  be  filled  with  the  fruits  of 
righteousness,  to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his 
grace ;"  that,  •'  being  thus  made  meet  for  the  in- 
heritance of  the  saints  in  light,"  we  shall  sleep  in 
the  Lord ;  and  that,  when  the  last  trumpet  shall 
sound,  this  corruption  shall  put  on  incorruption ; 
and  that,  being  at  length  perfected  after  his  likeness, 
we  shall  be  admitted  into  his  heavenly  kingdom  : — 

These  are  the  leading  doctrines  concerning  our 
Savior,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  are  taught  in  the 
holy  Scriptures,  and  held  by  the  church  of  England. 
The  truth  of  them,  agreeably  to  our  general  plan, 
will  be  taken  for  granted.    Few  of  those  who  have 


SAVIOR    AND    UOLY    SPIRIT.  67 

been  used  to  join  in  the  established  form  of  worship, 
can  have  been,  it  is  hoped,  so  inattentive  as  to  be 
ignorant  of  these  grand  truths,  which  are  to  be  found 
everj'-  where  dispersed  throughout  our  excellent 
liturgy.  AVould  to  God  it  could  be  presumed,  with 
equal  confidence,  that  all  who  assent  to  them  in 
terms,  discern  their  force  and  excellency  in  the  un- 
derstanding, and  feel  their  power  in  the  affections, 
and  their  transforming  influence  in  the  heart !  What 
lively  emotions  are  they  calculated  to  excite  in  us,  of 
deep  self-abasement,  and  abhorrence  of  our  sins ;  and 
of  humble  hope,  and  firm  faith,  and  heavenly  joy, 
and  ardent  love,  and  active  unceasing  gratitude  ! 

But  here,  it  is  to  be  feared,  will  be  found  the 
grand  defect  of  the  religion  of  the  bulk  of  professed 
Christians :  a  defect,  like  the  palsy  at  the  heart,  which, 
while,  in  its  first  attack,  it  changes  but  little  the  ex- 
terior appearance  of  the  body,  extinguishes  the  in- 
ternal principle  of  heat  and  motion,  and  soon  extends 
its  benumbing  influence  to  the  remotest  fibers  of  .the 
frame.  This  defect  is  closely  connected  with  that 
which  was  the  chief  subject  of  the  last  chapter: 
"  They  that  are  whole  need  not  a  physician,  but  they 
that  are  sick."  Had  we  duly  felt  the  burden  of  our 
sins,  that  they  are  a  load  which  our  own  strength  is 
wholly  unable  to  support,  and  that  the  weight  of 
them  must  finally  sink  us  into  perdition,  our  hearts 
would  have  rejoiced  at  the  sound  of  the  gracious  in- 
vitation,  "  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are 


58  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF    OUR 

heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest."  Matt.  1 1 : 
28.  But  in  those  who  have  scarcely  felt  their  sins 
as  any  incumbrance,  it  would  be  mere  affectation  to 
pretend  to  very  exalted  conceptions  of  the  value  and 
acceptableness  of  the  proffered  deliverance.  This 
pretence,  accordingly,  is  seldom  now  kept  up  ;  and 
the  most  superficial  observer,  comparing  the  senti- 
ments and  views  of  the  bulk  of  the  christian  world 
with  the  articles  still  retained  in  their  creed,  and 
with  the  strong  language  of  Scripture,  must  be 
struck  with  the  amazing  disproportion. 

To  pass  over  the  throng  from  whose  minds  reli- 
gion is  altogether  excluded  by  the  business  or  the 
vanities  of  life,  how  is  it  with  the  more  decent  and 
moral  ?  To  what  criterion  shall  we  appeal  ?  Are 
their  hearts  really  filled  with  these  things,  and 
warmed  by  the  love  which  they  are  adapted  to  in- 
spire? Then  surely  their  minds  are  apt  to  stray  to 
them  almost  unseasonably  ;  or  at  least  to  hasten  back 
to  them  with  eagerness,  when  escaped  from  the 
estrangement  imposed  by  the  necessary  cares  and 
business  of  life. 

"  And  how,"  it  may  be  perhaps  replied,  '•  do  you 
know  but  that  the  minds  of  these  people  are  thus 
occupied  ?"  Let  us  appeal  to  a  test  to  which  we  re- 
sorted in  a  former  instance.  •'  Out  of  the  abundance 
of  the  heait  the  mouth  speaketh."  Take  these  per- 
sons, and  lead  the  conversation  to  the  s'lbject  of  reli- 
gion.  The  utmost  which  can  be  effected  is,  to  bring 


SAVIOR    AND    HOLY    SPIRIT.  59 

them  to  talk  of  things  in  generalities ;  there  is  no- 
thing precise  and  determinate,  nothing  which  im- 
plies a  mind  used  to  the  contemplation  of  its  object. 
In  vain  you  strive  to  bring  them  to  speak  on  that  to- 
pic, which  one  might  expect  to  be  ever  uppermost 
in  the  hearts  of  redeemed  sinners.  They  elude  all 
your  endeavors ;  and  if  you  mention  it  yourself,  it 
is  received  wfth  no  very  cordial  welcome,  if  not 
with  unequivocal  disgust ;  it  is,  at  the  best,  a  forced 
and  formal  discussion.  The  excellence  of  our  Sa 
vior's  moral  precepts,  the  kindness,  and  simplicity, 
and  self-denial,  and  unblemished  purity  of  his  life, 
his  patience  and  meekness  in  the  hour  of  death,  can- 
not indeed  be  spoken  of  but  with  admiration,  when 
spoken  of  at  all,  as  they  have  often  extorted  unwil- 
ling praise  from  the  most  daring  and  malignant  iu' 
fidels.  But  are  not  these  mentioned  as  qualities  in 
the  abstract,  rather  than  as  the  perfections  and  linea- 
ments of  our  Patron,  and  Benefactor,  and  Friend, 
"  who  loved  us,  and  gave  himself  for  us ;"  of  Him 
"  who  died  for  our  ofTences,  and  rose  again  for  our 
justification  ;"  "  who  is  even  now  at  the  right  hand 
of  God,  making  intercecsion  for  ws?"  Who  would 
think  that  the  kindness,  and  humanity,  and  self-de 
nial,  and  patience  in  suffering,  which  we  so  dryly 
commend,  had  been  exerted  towards  ourselves,  in 
acts  of  more  than  finite  benevolence,  of  which  we 
were  to  derive  the  benefit,  in  condescensions  and  la 
bors  submitted  to  for  our  sakes,  in  pain  and  igno- 
miny endured  for  our  deliverance  ? 


60  INADECIUAXE    CONCEPTIONS    OF    OUR 

The  Unitarian  and  Socinian,  who  deny  or  explain 
away  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  may  be 
allowed  to  feel  and  talk  of  these  grand  truths  with 
little  emotion.  But  in  those  who  profess  a  sincere 
belief  in  them,  this  coldness  is  insupportable.  The 
greatest  possible  services  of  man  to  man  must  appear 
contemptible,  when  compared  with  "  the  unspeaka- 
ble mercies  of  Christ :"  mercies  so  dearly  bought, 
so  freely  bestowed — a  deliverance  from  eternal  mi- 
sery— the  gift  of  "  a  crown  of  glory,  that  fadeth  not 
away."  Yet,  what  judgment  should  we  form  of  such 
conduct  as  is  here  censured,  in  the  case  of  any  one 
who  had  received  signal  services  from  afellov/-crea- 
ture  ?  True  love  is  an  ardent  and  active  principle  : 
a  cold,  a  dormant,  a  phlegmatic  gratitude  are  con- 
tradictions in  terms.  When  these  generous  affections 
really  exist  in  vigor,  are  we  not  ever  fond  of  dwell- 
ing on  the  value  and  enumerating  the  merits  of  our 
benefactor  ?  How  are  we  moved  when  any  thing  is 
asserted  to  his  disparagement !  How  do  we  delight 
to  tell  of  his  kindness !  With  what  pious  care  do  we 
preserve  any  memorial  of  him  which  we  may  hap- 
pen to  possess  !  How  gladly  do  we  seize  any  oppor- 
tunity of  rendering  to  him,  or  to  those  who  are  dear 
to  him,  any  little  good  offices,  which,  though  in 
,hemselves  of  small  intrinsic  worth,  may  testify  the 
sincerity  of  our  thankfulness  !  The  very  mention  of 
his  name  will  cheer  the  heart,  and  light  up  the 
countenance!  And  if  he  be  now  no  more,  and  if  he 


SAVIOR    AND    HOLY    SPIRIT.  61 

had  made  it  his  dying  request  that,  in  a  way  of  his 
own  appointment,  we  would  occasionally  meet  to 
keep  the  memory  of  his  person  and  of  his  services 
in  lively  exercise ;  how  should  we  resent  the  idea 
of  failing  in  the  performance  of  so  sacred  an  obliga- 
tion! 

Such  are  the  genuine  characters,  such  the  natu- 
ral workings  of  a  lively  gratitude.  And  can  we  be- 
lieve, without  doing  violence  to  the  most  established 
principles  of  human  nature,  that  where  the  effects 
are  so  different,  the  internal  principle  is  in  truth  the 
same? 

If  the  love  of  Christ  be  thus  languid  in  the  bulk 
of  nominal  Christians,  their  joy  and  trust  in  him 
cannot  be  expected  to  be  very  vigorous.  Here  again 
we  find  reason  to  remark,  that  there  is  nothing  dis- 
tinct, nothing  specific,  nothing  which  implies  a  mind 
acquainted  with  the  nature  and  familiarized  with  the 
use  of  the  Christian's  privileges,  habitually  solacing 
itself  with  the  hopes  held  out  by  the  Gospel,  anima- 
ted by  the  sense  of  its  high  relations  and  its  glori- 
ous reversion. 

The  doctrine  of  the  sanctifying  operations  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  appears  to  have  met  with  still  worse 
treatment.  It  would  be  to  convey  a  very  inadequate 
idea  of  the  scantiness  of  the  conceptions,  on  this  head, 
of  the  bulk  of  the  Christian  world,  to  affirm  merely 
that  they  are  too  little  conscious  of  the  inefficacy  of 
their  own  unassisted  endeavors  after  holiness  of 
6 


62  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF    OUR 

heart  and  life,  and  that  they  are  not  daily  employed 
in  humbly  and  diligently  using  the  appointed  means 
for  the  reception  and  cultivation  of  the  divine  assist- 
ance. It  would  hardly  be  to  go  beyond  the  truth  to 
assert,  that  for  the  most  part  their  notions  on  this 
subject  are  so  confused  and  faint,  that  they  can 
scarcely  be  said  to  believe  the  doctrine  at  all. 

The  writer  is  prepared  to  hear  it  urged,  that  often 
where  there  have  been  the  strongest  pretences  to 
religious  affections,  there  has  been  little  or  nothing 
of  the  reality  of  them ;  and  that  even  omitting  the 
instances  of  studied  hypocrisy,  what  have  assumed 
to  themselves  the  name  of  religious  affections,  have 
been  merely  the  flights  of  a  lively  imagination,  or 
the  working  of  a  heated  brain :  in  particular,  that 
this  love  of  our  Savior  dwells  only  in  the  disordered 
mind  of  the  enthusiast.  That  religion  is  of  a  more 
steady  nature ;  and  that  she  rejects  with  scorn  the 
support  of  a  mere  feeling,  indeterminate,  trivial,  and 
useless  ;  a  feeling  varying  in  different  men,  and  even 
in  the  same  man  at  different  times,  according  to  the 
accidental  flow  of  the  animal  spirits  ;  a  feeling  of 
which  it  may  perhaps  be  said,  we  are,  from  our 
very  nature,  hardly  susceptible  towards  an  invisible 
Being. 

"As  to  the  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,"  it 
may  probably  be  further  urged,  that  "it  is  perhaps 
scarcely  worth  while  to  spend  much  time  in  inquir- 
ing into  tiie  theory,  when,  in  practice  at  least,  it  is 


SAVIOR    AND    HOLY    SPIRIT.  63 

manifest  that  there  is  no  sure  criterion  whereby  any- 
one can  ascertain  the  reality  of  them,  even  in  his 
own  case,  much  less  in  that  of  another.  All  we 
know  is,  that  pretenders  to  these  extraordinary  as- 
sistances have  never  been  wanting  to  abuse  the 
credulity  of  the  vulgar,  and  to  try  the  patience  of  the 
wise.  The  doctrine,  to  say  the  best  of  it,  can  only 
serve  to  favor  the  indolence  of  man.  It  is,  therefore, 
true  wisdom  to  attach  ourselves  to  Avhat  is  more  solid 
and  practical ;  to  the  work  of  rectifying  the  disorders 
of  the  passions,  and  of  implanting  and  cultivating 
the  virtues  of  the  moral  character.  You  are  contend- 
ing for  that  which  not  only  is  altogether  unworthy 
of  our  Divine  Master,  but  which,  with  considerate 
men,  has  ever  brought  his  religion  into  suspicion 
and  disrepute,  and,  under  a  show  of  honoring  him, 
serves  only  to  injure  and  discredit  his  cause."  Our 
objector,  warming  as  he  proceeds,  will  perhaps  as- 
sume a  more  impatient  tone.  "  Have  not  these  doc- 
trines," he  may  exclaim,  "  been  ever  perverted  to 
purposes  the  most  disgraceful  to  the  religion  of 
Jesus  ?  If  you  want  an  instance,  look  to  the  standard 
of  the  Inquisition,  and  behold  the  Dominicans  tor- 
turing their  miserable  victims  for  the  love  of  Christ.* 
Or  would  you  rather  see  the  effects  of  your  prin- 
ciples on  a  larger  scale,  and  by  wholesale,  (if  the 
phrase  may  be  pardoned,)  cast  your  eyes  across  the 

•  This  was  the  motto  on  their  banner. 


C4  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF    OUR 

Atlantic,  and  let  your  zeal  be  edified  by  the  holy 
activity  of  Cortez  and  Pizarro,  and  their  apostles  of 
the  western  hemisphere.  To  what  else  have  been 
owing  the  national  persecutions,  and  religious  wars 
and  crusades ;  whereby  rapacity,  and  pride,  and 
cruelty,  sheltering  themselves  under  the  mask  of  this 
specious  principle,  have  so  often  afflicted  the  world  ?" 

Objection  discussed. 

That  the  sacred  name  of  religion  has  been  too 
often  prostituted  to  the  most  detestable  purposes; 
that  furious  bigots,  and  bloody  persecutors,  and  self- 
interested  hypocrites,  of  all  qualities  and  dimensions, 
have  falsely  called  themselves  Christians,  are  me- 
lancholy and  humiliating  truths,  which,  as  none  so 
deeply  lament  them,  none  will  more  readily  admit, 
than  they  who  best  understand  the  nature,  and  are 
most  concerned  for  the  honor  of  Christianity.  We 
are  ready  to  acknowledge,  also,  without  dispute,  that 
the  doctrines  of  religious  affections  and  divine  as- 
sistances have  almost,  at  all  times,  been  more  or  less 
disgraced  by  the  false  pretences  and  extravagant 
conduct  of  fanatics  and  enthusiasts.  Ali  this,  how- 
ever, is  only  as  it  happens  in  other  instances,  wherein 
the  depravity  of  man  perverts  the  bounty  of  God. 
Why  is  it  here  only  to  be  made  an  argument,  that 
there  is  danger  of  abuse?  So  is  there,  also,  in  the 
case  of  all  the  potent  and  operative  principles,  whe- 


SAVIOR    AND    HOLY    SPIRIT.  65 

ther  in  the  natural  or  moral  world.  Take,  for  an 
instance,  the  powers  and  properties  of  matter.  These 
were,  doubtless,  designed  by  Providence  for  our 
comfort  and  well-being ;  yet  they  are  often  misap- 
plied to  trifling  purposes,  and  still  more  frequently 
turned  into  so  many  agents  of  misery  and  death. 
Suppose  religion  were  discarded,  then  liberty  re- 
mains to  plague  the  world  ;  a  power  which,  though, 
when  well  employed,  the  dispenser  of  light  and  hap- 
piness, has  been  often  proved,  and  eminently  in 
this  very  instance,  to  be  capable,  when  abused,  of 
becoming  infinitely  mischievous.  Well,  then,  ex- 
tinguish liberty — blot  out  courage ;  and  so  might 
you  proceed  to  extinguish,  one  by  one,  reason,  and 
speech,  and  memory,  and  all  the  discriminating 
prerogatives  of  man.  But,  perhaps,  more  than 
enough  has  already  been  urged  in  reply  to  an  ob- 
jection so  indefensible  as  that  which  would  equally 
warrant  our  condemning  any  physical  or  moral 
faculty  altogether,  on  account  of  its  being  occasion- 
ally abused. 

As  to  the  position,  that  there  is  no  way  whereby 
the  validity  of  pretensions  to  the  religious  affections 
may  be  ascertained,  it  must  partly  be  admitted. 
Doubtless,  we  are  not  able  always  to  read  the  hearts 
of  men,  and  to  discover  their  real  characters  ;  and 
hence  it  is  that  we  in  some  measure  lie  open  to  the 
false  and  hypocritical  pretences  which  are  brought 
forward  so  triumphantlv.  But  then  these  pretences 
6* 


66       INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS,  &c. 

no  more  prove  all  similar  claims  to  be  founded  in 
falsehood  and  hypocrisy,  than  there  having  been 
many  false  and  interested  pretenders  to  wisdom  and 
honesty  would  prove  that  there  can  be  no  such 
thing  as  a  wise  or  an  honest  man.  We  do  not  argue 
thus  but  where  our  reason  is  under  a  corrupt  bias. 
It  is  no  more  than  our  blessed  Master  himself  taught 
us  to  expect ;  and  when  the  old  difficulty  is  stated, 
".  Didst  thou  not  sow  good  seed  in  thy  field,  whence 
then  hath  it  tares?"  his  own  answer  furnishes  the 
best  solution,  •*  An  enemy  hath  done  this."  Hypo- 
crisy is  indeed  detestable,  and  enthusiasm  sufficiently 
mischievous  to  justify  our  guarding  against  its  ap- 
proaches with  jealous  care.  Yet  we  are  apt  to  draw 
too  unfavorable  conclusions  from  unpleasant  appear- 
ances. The  mode  and  language  in  which  a  vulgar 
man  will  express  himself  on  the  subject  of  religion, 
will  probably  be  vulgar  ;  and  it  is  difficult  for  peo- 
ple of  literature  and  refinement  not  to  be  unreason- 
ably shocked  by  such  vulgarities.  But  we  should 
at  least  endeavor  to  correct  the  rash  judgments  which 
we  may  be  disposed  to  form  on  these  occasions,  and 
should  learn  to  recognize  and  to  prize  a  sound  tex- 
ture and  just  configuration,  though  disguised  beneath 
homely  or  uncouth  drapery. 


SECTION  II. 


On  the  admission  of  the  passions  into  religion. 

The  objection,  that  by  insisting  on  the  obligation 
of  making  our  blessed  Savior  the  object  of  our  reli- 
gious affections,  we  are  degrading  the  worship  of 
ihe  understanding,  and  are  substituting  a  set  of  mere 
feelings  in  its  stead,  deserves  most  serious  conside- 
ration. If  it  be  just,  it  is  decisive  ;  for  ours  must  be 
mquestionably  a  "  reasonable  service."   Rom.  12:  1. 

This  notion  of  the  affections  being  out  of  place  in 
religion,  is  indeed  an  opinion  which  appears  to  be 
generally  prevalent.  Mankind  are  apt  to  be  the 
dupes  of  misapplied  terms ;  and  the  progress  of  the 
persuasion  now  in  question,  has  been  considerably 
aided  by  an  abuse  of  language  not  sufficiently  check- 
ed in  its  first  advances,  whereby  that  species  of  reli- 
gion which  is  opposite  to  the  warm  and  affectionate 
kind,  has  been  suffered,  almost  without  disturbance, 
to  usurp-  to  itself  the  epithet  of  rational.  But  let  not 
this  claim  be  too  hastily  admitted.  Let  the  position 
in  question  be  thoroughly  and  impartially  discussed, 
and  it  will  appear,  if  I  mistake  not,  to  be  a  gross  and 
pernicious  error. 

It  cannot  but  afford  a  considerable  presumption 
against  the  doctrine  which  we  are  about  to  com- 
bat, that  it  proposes  to  exclude  at  once  from  the  ser- 
vice of  religion,  so  grand  a  part  of  the  composition 


68  ON    THE    ADMISSION    OF    THE 

of  man ;  that  in  this  our  noblest  employment  it  con- 
demns, as  worse  than  useless,  all  the  most  active  and 
operative  principles  of  our  nature.  One  cannot  but 
suppose  that,  like  the  organs  of  the  body,  so  the  ele- 
mentary qualities  and  original  passions  of  the  mind 
were  all  given  us  for  valuable  purposes  by  our  all- 
wise  Creator.  It  is  indeed  one  of  the  sad  evidences 
of  our  fallen  condition,  that  they  are  now  perpetually 
rebelling  against  the  powers  of  reason  and  con- 
science, to  which  they  should  be  subject.  But  even 
if  revelation  had  been  silent,  natural  reason  might 
have,  in  some  degree,  presumed  that  it  would  be  the 
effect  of  a  religion  which  should  come  from  God, 
completely  to  repair  the  consequences  of  our  super- 
induced depravity.  The  schemes  of  mere  human 
wisdom  had  indeed  tacitly  confessed  that  this  was  a 
task  beyond  their  strength.  Of  the  two  most  celebra- 
ted systems  of  philosophy,  the  one  expressly  confirm- 
ed the  usurpation  of  the  passions  ;  while  the  other, 
despairing  of  being  able  to  regulate,  saw  nothing  left 
but  to  extinguish  them.  Christianity  would  not  be 
driven  to  any  such  wretched  expedients ;  it  is  her 
peculiar  glory  and  her  main  office  to  bring  all  the 
faculties  of  our  nature  into  their  just  subordination 
and  dependence ;  that  so  the  whole  man,  complete 
in  all  his  functions,  may  be  restored  to  the  true  ends 
of  his  being,  and  be  devoted  to  the  service  and  glory 
of  God.  •'  My  son,  give  me  thine  heart ;"  "  Thou 
shr't  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart ." 


PASSIONS    INTO    RELIGION.  69 

such  are  the  direct  and  comprehensive  claims  which 
are  made  on  us  in  the  holy  Scriptures.  We  can 
scarcely  indeed  look  into  any  part  of  the  sacred  vo- 
lume without  meeting  abundant  proofs  that  it  is  the 
religion  of  the  affections  which  God  particularly  re- 
quires. Love,  zeal,  gratitude,  joy,  hope,  trust,  are 
each  of  them  specified  ;  and  are  not  allowed  to  us 
as  weaknesses,  but  enjoined  on  us  as  our  bounden  du- 
ty, and  commended  to  us  as  our  acceptable  w'orship. 
AVhere  passages  are  so  numerous,  there  would  be 
no  end  of  particular  citations.  Let  it  be  sufficient, 
therefore,  to  refer  the  reader  to  the  word  of  God. 
There  let  him  observe,  too,  that  as  the  lively  exer- 
cise of  the  passions  towards  their  legitimate  object  is 
always  spoken  of  with  praise,  so  a  cold,  hard,  unfeel- 
ing heart,  is  represented  as  highly  criminal.  Luke- 
warmness  is  stated  to  be  the  object  of  God's  disgust 
and  aversion ;  zeal  and  love,  of  his  favor  and  de- 
light; and  the  taking  away  of  the  heart  of  stone, 
and  the  implanting  of  a  warmer  and  more  tender  na- 
ture in  its  stead,  is  specifically  promised  as  the  ef- 
fect of  his  returning  favor,  and  the  work  of  his  re- 
newing grace.  It  is  the  prayer  of  an  inspired  teach- 
er in  behalf  of  those  for  whom  he  was  most  interest- 
ed, "  that  their  love  "  (already  acknowledged  to  be 
great)  "might  abound  yet  more  and  more."  Those 
modes  of  worship  are  set  forth  and  prescribed,  which 
are  best  calculated  to  excite  the  dormant  affections, 
and  to  maintain  them  in  lively  exercise ;  if  we  look 


70  ON    THE    ADMISSION    OF    THE 

to  the  most  eminent  of  the  Scripture  characters,  we 
shall  find  them  warm,  zealous,  and  aflectionate. 
When  engaged  in  their  favorite  Avork  of  celebrating 
the  goodness  of  their  Supreme  Benefactor,  their 
souls  appear  to  burn  within  them,  their  hearts  kin- 
dle into  rapture  :  the  powers  of  language  are  inade- 
quate ;  and  they  call  on  all  nature  to  unite  with 
them  in  hallelujahs  of  gratitude,  and  joy,  and  praise. 
The  man  after  God's  own  heart  most  of  all  abounds 
in  these  glowing  effusions ;  and  his  compositions 
appear  to  have  been  given  us  in  order  to  set  the  tone, 
as  it  were,  to  all  succeeding  generations.  Accord- 
ingly, (to  quote  the  words  of  a  late  excellent  prelate, 
who  was  himself  warmed  with  the  same  heaven- 
ly flame,)  "in  the  language  of  this  divine  book,  the 
praises  of  the  church  have  been  offered  up  to  the 
throne  of  grace  from  age  to  age."  Again,  when  it 
pleased  God  to  check  the  future  apostle  of  the  Gen- 
tiles in  his  wild  career,  and  to  make  him  a  monu- 
ment of  transforming  grace,  was  the  force  of  his  af- 
fections diminished,  or  was  it  not  only  that  their  di- 
rection was  changed  ?  He  brought  his  affections 
entire  and  unabated  into  the  service  of  his  blessec 
Master.  His  zeal  now  burned  even  with  an  increase 
of  brightness;  and  no  intenseness,  no  continuance 
of  suffering  could  allay  its  ardor,  or  damp  the  fer- 
vors of  his  triumphant  exultations.  Finally:  the 
worship  and  service  of  the  glorified  spirits  in  hea- 
ven  is  not  represented  to  us  as  a  cold,  intellectua. 


PASSIONS    INTO    RELIGION.  71 

investigation,  but  as  the  worship  and  a3rvice  of  gra- 
titude and  love.  And  surely  it  will  not  be  disputed 
that  it  should  be,  even  here,  the  humble  endeavor  of 
those  who  are  promised,  \vhile  on  earth  "  to  be  made 
meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the  Saints 
in  light,"  to  bring  their  hearts  into  capacity  for 
joining  in  those  everlasting  praises. 

But  it  may  be  advisable  here  to  guard  against  a 
mistaken  supposition,  that  the  force  of  the  religious 
affections  is  to  be  mainly  estimated  by  the  degree  of 
mere  animal  fervor,  by  ardors,  and  transports,  and 
raptures,  of  which,  from  constitutional  temperament, 
a  person  may  be  easily  susceptible :  or  into  which 
daily  experience  must  convince  us  that  people  of 
strong  conceptions  and  of  warm  passions  may 
work  themselves  without  much  difficulty,  Avhere 
their  hearts  are  by  no  means  truly  or  deeply  inte- 
rested. These  high  degrees  of  the  passions  bad  men 
may  experience,  good  men  may  want.  They  may 
be  affected ;  they  may  be  genuine  ;  but,  whether  ge- 
nuine or  affected,  they  form  not  the  true  standard  by 
which  the  real  nature  or  strength  of  the  religious 
affections  is  to  be  determined.  To  ascertain  these 
points,  we  must  examine  whether  they  appear  to  be 
grounded  Id  knowledge,  to  have  their  root  in  strong 
and  just  conceptions  of  the  great,  manifold  excellen- 
ces of  their  objects,  or  to  be  ignorant^  unmeaning,  or 
vague  :  whether  they  are  natural  and  easy,  or  con- 
strained and  forced  :  wakeful  and  apt  to  fix  on  their 


72  ON    THE    ADMISSION   OF    THE 

great  objects,  delighting  in  their  proper  nutriment, 
the  exercises  of  prayer  and  praise,  and  religious 
contemplation  ;  or  voluntarily  omitting  offered  occa- 
sions of  receiving  it,  looking  forward  to  them  with 
little  expectation,  looking  back  on  them  with  little 
complacency,  and  being  disappointed  of  them  with 
little  regret.  We  must  observe  whether  these  reli- 
gious affections  are  merely  occasional  visitants,  or 
the  abiding  inmates  of  the  soul :  whether  they  have 
the  mastery  over  the  vicious  passions  and  propensi- 
ties, with  which,  in  their  origin,  and  nature,  and  ten- 
dency, they  are  at  open  variance ;  or  whether,  if  the 
victory  be  not  yet  complete,  the  war  is  at  least  con- 
stant, and  the  breach  irreconcilable.  We  must  ob- 
serve whether  they  moderate  and  regulate  all  the 
inferior  appetites  and  desires,  which  are  culpable 
only  in  their  excess,  thus  striving  to  reign  in  the 
bosom  with  a  settled,  undisputed  predominance. 
We  must  examine  whether,  above  all,  they  manifest 
themselves  by  prompting  to  the  active  discharge  of 
the  duties  of  life:  the  personal,  and  domestic,  and  re- 
lative, and  professional,  and  social,  and  civil  duties. 
Here  the  wideness  of  their  range  and  the  universa- 
lity of  their  influence  will  generally  distinguish  them 
from  those  partial  efforts  of  diligence  and  self-denial 
to  which  mankind  are  prompted  by  subordinate  mo- 
tive«j.  All  proofs,  other  than  this  deduced  from  con- 
duct, are  in  some  degree  ambiguous.  This,  this 
only,  whether  we  argue  from  reason  or  from  Scrip- 


PASSIONS    INTO    RELIGION.  73 

ture,  is  a  sure,  infallible  criterionf  From  the  daily 
incidents  of  conjugal  and  domestic  life,  we  learn 
that  a  warmth  of  affection,  occasionally  vehement, 
but  superficial  and  transitory,  may  consist  with  a 
course  of  conduct  exhibiting  incontestable  proofs  of 
neglect  and  unkindness.  But  the  passion,  which 
alone  the  holy  Scriptures  dignify  with  the  name  of 
love,  is  a  deep,  not  a  superficial  feeling :  a  fixed  and 
permanent,  not  an  occasional  emotion.  It  proves  the 
validity  of  its  title  by  actions  corresponding  with  its 
nature,  by  practical  endeavors  to  gratify  the  wishes 
and  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  object  of  affection. 
"  If  a  man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  sayings." 
"  This  is  the  love  of  God,  that  we  keep  his  com- 
mandments." This,  therefore,  _is  the  best  standard 
by  which  to  try  the  quality ;  qj-,  the  quality  being  as- 
certained, to  estimate  the  strength  of  the  religious 
affections.  Without  suffering  ourselves  to  derive  too 
much  complacency  from  transient  fervors  of  devo- 
tion, we  should  carefully  and  frequently  prove  our- 
selves by  this  less  dubitabie  test ;  impartially  examin- 
ing our  daily  conduct;  and  often  comparing  our  ac- 
tual with  our  possible  services,  the  fair  amount  of 
our  exertions  with  our  natural  or  acquired  means 
and  opportunities  of  usefulness. 

We  are  perfectly  ready  to  concede  to  the  objector, 

whose  arguments  we  have  so  long  been  considering, 

that  the  religious  affections  must  be  expected  to  be 

more  or  less  lively  in  different  men,  and  in  the  same 

7 


74  ON    THE    ADMISSION    OF    IHE 

man  at  different  times,  in  proportion  to  natural  tem- 
pers, ages,  situations,  and  habits  of  life.  But  to 
found  an  objection  on  this  ground,  would  be  as  un- 
reasonable as  it  were  altogether  to  deny  the  obliga- 
tion of  the  precepts  which  command  us  to  relieve 
the  necessities  of  the  indigent,  because  the  infinitely 
varying  circumstances  of  mankind  must  render  it 
impossible  to  specify,  beforehand,  the  sum  which 
each  individual  ought,  on  the  whole,  to  allot  to 
this  purpose,  or  to  fix,  in  every  particular  instance, 
on  any  determinate  measure  and  mode  of  contribu- 
tion. To  the  one  case,  no  less  than  to  the  other,  we 
may  apply  the  maxim  of  an  eminent  writer ;  ''An 
honest  heart  is  the  best  casuist."  He  who  every 
where  but  in  religion  is  warm  and  animated,  there 
only  phlegmatic  and  cold,  can  hardly  expect  (espe- 
cially if  this  coldness  be  not  the  subject  of  unfeigned 
humiliation  and  sorrow)  that  his  plea  on  the  ground 
of  natural  temper  should  be  admitted;  any  more 
than  that  of  a  person  who  should  urge  his  poverty 
as  a  justification  of  his  not  relieving  the  wants  of  the 
necessitous,  at  the  very  time  that  he  should  bo 
launching  out  into  expense  without  restraint,  on  oc- 
casions in  which  he  should  be  really  prompted  by 
his  inclinations.  In  both  cases,  "  it  is  the  willing 
mind  which  is  required."  Where  that  is  found, 
"every  man  will  be  judged  according  to  what  he 
hath,  and  not  according  to  what  he  hath  not."  2  Cor. 
8:  12. 


PASSIONS    INTO    RELIGION.  75 

After  the  decisive  proofs  already  adduced  from  the 
word  of  God,  of  the  unreasonableness  of  the  objec- 
tion to  the  admission  of  the  passions  into  religion,  all 
farther  arguments  may  appear  superfluous  to  any 
one  who  is  disposed  to  bow  to  scriptural  authority. 
Yet,  the  point  is  of  so  much  importance,  and,  it  is 
to  be  feared,  so  little  regarded,  that  it  may  not  be 
amiss  to  continue  the  discussion.  The  best  results 
of  our  understanding  will  be  shown  to  fall  in  with 
what  clearly  appears  to  be  the  authoritative  lan- 
guage of  revelation  ;  and  to  call  in  the  aid  of  the 
affections  to  the  service  of  religion  will  prove  to  be 
not  only  what  sober  reason  may  permit,  but  to  be 
that  which  she  clearly  and  strongly  dictates  to  our 
deliberate  judgments,  as  being  what  the  circumstan- 
ces of  our  natural  condition  indispensably  require. 
We  have  every  one  of  us  a  work  to  accomplish, 
wherein  our  eternal  interests  are  at  stake ;  a  work 
to  which  we  are  naturally  indisposed.  We  live  in 
a  world  abounding  with  objects  which  distract  our 
attention  and  divert  our  endeavors ;  and  a  deadly 
enemy  is  ever  at  hand  to  seduce  and  beguile  us.  If 
we  persevere,  indeed,  success  is  certain  ;  but  our 
efforts  must  know  no  remission.  There  is  a  call  on 
us  for  vigorous  and  continual  resolution,  self-denial, 
and  activity.  Now,  man  is  not  a  being  of  mere  in- 
tellect. 

Video  meliora  proboque,  deteriora  sequor,* 

•  I  see  W'bat  is  right,  and  approve  it,  but  practice  what  ii  wroof . 


76  ON    THE    AD5HSSI0N    OF    THE 

is  a  complaint  which,  alas !  we  all  of  us  might  daily 
utter.  The  slightest  solicitation  of  appetite  is  often 
able  to  draw  us  to  act  in  opposition  to  our  clearest 
judgment,  our  highest  interests,  and  most  resolute 
determinations.  Sickness,  poverty,  disgrace,  and  even 
eternal  misery  itself,  sometimes  in  vain  solicit  our 
regards  ;  they  are  all  excluded  from  the  view,  and 
thrust  as  it  were  beyond  the  sphere  of  vision,  by  some 
poor,  unsubstantial,  transient  object,  so  minute  and 
contemptible  as  almost  to  escape  the  notice  of  the 
eye  of  reason. 

These  observations  are  more  strikingly  confirmed 
in  our  religious  concerns  than  in  any  other;  because 
in  them  the  interests  at  stake  are  of  transcendent  im- 
portance :  but  they  hold  equally  in  every  instance, 
according  to  its  measure,  wherein  there  is  a  call  for 
laborious,  painful,  and  continued  exertions,  from 
which  any  one  is  likely  to  be  deterred  by  obstacles, 
or  seduced  by  the  solicitations  of  pleasure.  What 
then  is  to  be  done  in  the  case  of  any  such  arduous 
and  necessary  undertaking?  The  answer  is  obvi- 
ous :  You  should  endeavor  not  only  to  convince  the 
understanding,  but  also  to  affect  the  heart :  and  for 
this  end,  you  must  secure  the  reinforcement  of  the 
passions.  This  is  indeed  the  course  which  would 
be  naturally  followed  by  every  man  of  common  un- 
derstanding, who  should  know  that  some  one  for 
whom  he  was  deeply  interested,  a  child,  for  instance, 
or  a  brother,  were  about  to  enter  on  a  long,  difficult, 


PASSIONS    INTO    RELIGION.  77 

perilous,  and  critical  adventure,  wherein  success  was 
to  be  honor  and  affluence,  defeat  was  to  he  contempt 
and  ruin.  And  still  more,  if  the  parent  were  convinc- 
ed that  his  child  possessed  faculties  which,  strenu- 
ously and  unremittingly  exerted,  would  prove  equal 
to  all  the  exigences  of  the  enterprise,  but  knew  him 
also  to  be  volatile  and  inconstant,  and  had  reason  to 
doubt  his  resolution  and  his  vigilance ;  how  would  the 
friendly  monitor's  endeavor  be  redoubled,  so  as  to 
possess  his  pupil's  mind  with  the  worth  and  dignity 
of  the  undertaking,  that  there  should  be  no  opening 
for  the  entrance  of  any  inferior  consideration !  "Weigh 
well,"  he  would  say,  "  the  value  of  the  object  for 
which  you  are  about  to  contend,  and  contemplate  and 
study  its  various  excellencies,  till  your  whole  soul 
be  on  fire  for  its  acquisition.    Consider  too,  that,  if 
you  fail,  misery  and  infamy  are  united  in  the  alter- 
native which  awaits  you.    Let  not  the  mistaken  nq'- 
tion  of  its  being  a  safe  and  easy  service,  for  a  mo- 
ment beguile  you  into  the  discontinuance  or  remis- 
sion of  your  efforts.    Be  aware  of  your  imminent 
danger,  and  at  the  same  time  know  your  true  secu- 
rity.   It  is  a  service  of  labor  and  peril;  but  one 
wherein  the  powers  which  you  possess,  strenuously 
and  perse veringly  exerted,  cannot  but  crown  you 
with  victory.    Accustom  yourself  to  look  first  to  the 
dreadful  consequences  of  failure  ;  then  fix  your  eye 
on  the  glorious  prize  which  is  before  you ;  and  when 
your  strength  begins  to  fail,  and  your  spirits  are  well 
7* 


78  ON    THE    ADMISSION    OF    THE 

nigh  exhausted,  let  the  animating  view  rekindle 
your  resolution,  and  call  forth  in  renewed  vigor  the 
fainting  energies  of  your  soul." 

It  was  the  remark  of  an  unerring  Observer,  "the 
children  of  this  world  are  wiser  in  their  generation 
than  the  children  of  light."  And  it  is  indisputably 
true,  that  in  religion  we  have  to  argue  and  plead 
with  men  for  principles  of  action,  the  Avisdom  and 
expediency  of  which  are  universally  acknowledged 
in  matters  of  worldly  concern.  So  it  is  in  the  in- 
stance before  us.  The  case  which  has  been  just  de- 
scribed, is  an  exact  but  a  faint  representation  of  our 
condition  in  this  life.  Frail  and  •'  infirm  of  pur- 
pose," we  have  a  business  to  executeof  supreme  and 
indispensable  necessity.  Solicitations  to  neglect  it 
every  where  abound :  the  difficulties  and  dangers  are 
numerous  and  urgent ;  and  the  night  of  death  com- 
eth,  how  soon  we  know  not, "  when  no  man  can  w^ork." 
All  this  is  granted.  It  seems  to  be  a  state  of  things 
wherein  one  should  look  out  with  solicitude  for  some 
powerful  stimulants.  Mere  knowledge  is  confess- 
edly too  weak.  The  affections  alone  remain  to 
supply  the  deficiency.  They  precisely  meet  the  oc- 
casion, and  suit  the  purposes  intended.  Yet,  when 
we  propose  to  fit  ourselves  for  our  great  undertak- 
ing, by  calling  them  in  to  our  help,  we  are  to  be 
tOM  that  we  are  acting  contrary  to  reason.  Is  this 
reasonable,  to  strip  us  first  of  our  armor  of  proof, 
and  then  to  send  us  to  the  sharpest  of  encounter  ? 


PASSIONS    INTO    RELIGION.  79 

To  summon  us  to  the  severest  labors,  but  first  to 
rob  us  of  the  precious  cordials  which  should  brace 
our  sinews  and  recruit  our  strength  ? 

Let  these  pretended  advocates  for  reason  then  con- 
fess their  folly,  and  do  justice  to  the  superior  wis- 
dom as  well  as  goodness  of  our  heavenly  Instructor, 
Avho,  better  understanding  our  true  condition,  and 
knowing  our  frowardness  and  inadvertency,  has 
most  reasonably,  as  well  as  kindly  pointed  out  and 
enjoined  on  us  the  use  of  those  aids  which  may  coun- 
teract our  infirmities  ;  who  commanding  the  effect, 
has  commanded  also  the  means  whereby  it  may  be 
accomplished. 

And  now,  if  the  use  of  the  affections  in  religion^ 
in  general,  be  at  length  shown  to  be  conformable  to 
reason,  it  will  not  require  many  words  to  prove  that 
our  blessed  Savior  is  the  proper  object  of  them.  We 
know  that  love,  gratitude,  joy,  hope,  trust,  (the  affec- 
tions in  question,)  all  have  their  appropriate  objects. 
Now  it  must  be  at  once  conceded,  that  if  these  ap- 
propriate objects  be  not  exhibited,  it  is  perfectly  un- 
reasonable to  expect  that  the  correspondent  passions 
should  be  excited.  If  we  ask  for  love,  in  the  case 
of  an  object  which  has  no  excellence  or  desirable- 
ness ;  for  gratitude,  where  no  obligation  has  been 
conferred ;  for  joy,  where  there  is  no  just  cause  ot 
self-congratulation ;  for  hope,  where  nothing  is  ex- 
pected ;  for  trust,  where  there  exists  no  ground  of 
reliance ;  then,  indeed,  we  must  kiss  the  rod,  and 


80  ON    THE    ADMISSION,    &c. 

patiently  submit  to  correction.  This  would  be  in- 
deed Egyptian  bondage,  to  demand  the  effects  with- 
out the  means  of  producing  them.  Is  the  case  then 
so?  Are  we  ready  to  adopt  the  language  of  the 
avowed  enemies  of  our  adorable  Savior ;  and  again 
to  say  of  him  "  in  whom  dwelleth  all  the  fullness  of 
the  Godhead  bodily,"  that  "  he  hath  no  form  nor 
comeliness ;  and  when  we  shall  see  him,  there  is 
no  beauty  that  we  should  desire  him  ?"  Isa.  53  :  2. 
Is  it  no  obligation,  that  he  who  "  thought  it  not  rob- 
bery to  be  equal  with  God,"  should  yet,  for  our 
sakes,  "  make  himself  of  no  reputation,  and  take  upon 
him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  be  made  in  the  like- 
ness of  men ;  and  humble  himself,  and  become  obe- 
dient unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross  ?"  Phil. 
2 :  6-8.  Is  it  no  cause  of  "joy,  that  to  us  is  born 
a  Savior,"  Luke,  2  :  10,  11,  by  whom  we  may  "be 
delivered  from  the  power  of  darkness,  and  be  made 
meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints 
in  light?"  Col.  1  :  12,  13.  Can  there  be  a  "hope 
comparable  to  that  of  our  calling,"  Eph.  1:18, 
"  which  is  Christ  in  us,  the  hope  of  glory  ?"  Col.  1  : 
27.  Can  there  be  a  trust  to  be  preferred  to  the  reli- 
ance on  "Christ  Jesus,  who  is  the  same  yester- 
day, to-day,  and  for  ever?"  Heb.  13  :  8.  Surely,  if 
our  opponent  be  not  dead  to  every  generous  emo- 
tion, he  cannot  look  his  own  objection  in  the  face 
without  a  blush  of  shame  and  indignation. 


SECTION    III. 

Consideration  of  the  Teasonabkness  of  affections  towards  an 
invisible  Being. 

Forced  at  last  to  retreat  from  his  favorite  position, 
and  compelled  to  acknowledge  that  the  religious  af- 
fections towards  our  blessed  Savior  are  not  unrea- 
sonable ;  he  still,  however,  maintains  the  combat, 
suggesting  that,  by  the  very  constitution  of  our  na- 
ture, we  are  not  susceptible  of  them  towards  an  in- 
visible Being  ;  in  whose  case,  it  will  be  added,  we 
are  shut  out  from  all  those  means  of  communication 
and  intercourse  which  knit  and  cement  the  union 
between  man  and  man. 

We  mean  not  to  deny  that  there  is  something  in 
this  objection.  It  might  even  seem  to  plead  the  au- 
thority of  Scripture  in  its  favor — "  He  that  loveth 
not  his  brother  whom  he  hath  seen,  how  can  he  love 
God  whom  he  hath  not  seen  ?"  1  John,  4  :  20.  We 
receive  impressions  more  readily  from  visible  ob- 
jects, we  feel  them  more  strongly,  and  retain  them 
more  durably.  But  though  it  must  be  granted  that 
this  circumstance  makes  it  a  more  difficult  task  to 
preserve  the  affections  in  question  in  a  heahhful  and 
vigorous  state,  is  it  thereby  rendered  impossible? 
This  Avere  indeed  a  most  precipitate  conclusion : 
and  any  one  who  should  be  disposed  to  admit  the 
truth  of  it,  might  at  least  hesitate,  when  he  should 


82  REASONABLENESS    OF    AFFECTIONS 

reflect  that  the  argument  applies  equally  against  the 
possibility  of  the  love  of  God,  a  duty  of  which  the 
most  cursory  reader  of  Scripture,  if  he  admits  its 
divine  authority,  cannot  but  acknowledge  the  indis- 
pensable obligation.  But  we  need  only  look  back 
to  the  Scripture  proofs  which  have  been  lately  ad- 
duced, to  be  convinced  that  the  religious  affections 
are  therein  inculcated  on  us,  as  a  matter  of  high  and 
serious  obligation. 

If  the  principles  of  love,  and  gratitude,  and  joy, 
and  hope,  and  trust,  are  not  utterly  extinct  within 
us,  they  cannot  but  be  called  forth  by  the  various 
corresponding  objects  which  the  contemplation  of 
our  blessed  Redeemer  would  gradually  bring  forth 
to  our  view.  Well  might  the  language  of  the  apos- 
tle be  addressed  to  Christians,  "  Whom  having  not 
seen,  ye  love  ;  in  whom,  though  now  ye  see  him  not, 
yet  believing,  ye  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and 
full  of  glory."   1  Pet.  1 :  8. 

Our  blessed  Savior,  if  we  may  be  permitted  so  to 
say,  is  not  removed  far  from  us  ;  and  the  various  re- 
lations in  which  we  stand  towards  him  seem  pur- 
posely made  known  to  us,  in  order  to  furnish  so 
many  different  bonds  of  connexion  with  him,  and 
consequent  occasions  of  continual  intercourse.  He 
exhibits  not  himself  to  us  "  dark  with  excessive 
brightness,"  but  is  let  down  as  it  were  to  the  possi- 
bilities of  human  converse.  We  may  not  think  that 
he  is  incapable  of  entering  into  our  little  concerns, 


TOWARDS    AN*   INVISIBLE    BEING.  83 

and  sj'mpathizing  with  them;  for  we  are  graciously 
assured  that  he  is  not  one  "  wlno  cannot  be  touched 
with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities,  having  been  in 
all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are."  Heb.  4  :  15.  The 
figures  under  which  he  is  represented,  are  such  as 
convey  ideas  of  the  utmost  tenderness.  "  He  shall 
feed  his  flock  like  a  shepherd ;  he  shall  g^aher  the 
lambs  in  his  arm,  and  carry  them  in  his  bosom,  and 
shall  gently  lead  those  that  are  with  young."  Isaiah, 
40  :  11.  *'  They  shall  not  hunger  nor  thirst,  neithtr 
shall  the  heat  nor  sun  smite  them ;  for  he  that  hath 
mercy  on  them  shall  lead  them,  even  by  the  springs 
of  water  shall  he  guide  them."  Isaiah,  49  :  10.  "I 
will  not  leave  you  orphans,"*  was  one  of  his  last 
consolatory  declarations.  John,  14:  18.  The  children 
of  Christ  are  here  separated  indeed  from  the  per- 
sonal view  of  him ;  but  not  from  his  paternal  affec- 
tion and  paternal  care.  Meanwhile  let  them  quicken 
their  regards  by  the  animating  anticipation  of  that 
blessed  day,  when  he  "  who  is  gone  to  prepare  a 
place  for  them,  will  come  again  to  receive  them  unto 
himself."  Then  shall  they  be  admitted  to  his  more 
immediate  presence :  "  Now  we  see  through  a  glass, 
darkly ;  but  then  face  to  face :  now  I  know  in  part ; 
bit  then  shall  I  know  even  as  also  I  am  known." 
1  Cor.  13:12. 
Surely  more  than  enough  has  been  now  said  to 

♦  The  word  ''comfortless"  is  rendered  in  the  margin, 
orphans. 


84      REASONABLENESS  OF  AFFECTIONS 

prove  that  this  particular  case,  from  its  very  nature 
furnishes  the  most  abundant  and  powerful  conside- 
rations and  mean«  for  exciting  the  feelings ;  and  it 
might  be  contended,  without  fear  of  refutation,  that 
by  the  diligent  and  habitual  use  of  those  considera- 
tions and  means,  we  might,  with  confident  expecta- 
tion of  success,  engage  in  the  work  of  raising  our 
affections  towards  our  blessed  Savior  to  a  state  of 
due  force  and  activity.  But,  blessed  be  God,  we  have 
A  still  better  reliance ;  for  the  grand  circumstance  of 
all  yet  remains  behind,  which  the  writer  has  been 
led  to  defer,  from  his  wish  to  contend  with  his  op- 
ponents on  their  own  ground.  This  circumstance 
is,  that  here,  no  less  than  in  other  particulars,  the 
Christian's  hope  is  founded,  not  on  the  speculations 
or  the  strength  of  man,  but  on  the  declaration  of 
Him  who  cannot  lie — on  the  power  of  Omnipotence. 
We  learn  from  the  Scriptures  that  it  is  one  main 
part  of  the  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  implant 
these  heavenly  principles  in  the  human  mind,  and 
to  cherish  their  growth.  We  are  encouraged  to  be- 
lieve that,  in  answer  to  our  prayers,  this  aid  from 
above  will  give  efficacy  to  our  earnest  endeavors, 
if  used  in  humble  dependence  on  divine  grace. 
We  may,  therefore,  with  confidence  take  the  mesns 
which  have  been  suggested.  But  let  us,  in  our  tarn, 
be  permitted  to  ask  our  opponents,  have  they  humbly 
and  perseveringly  applied  for  this  divine  strength  ?- 
or,  disclaiming  that  assistance,  perhaps  as  tempting 


TOWARDS    AN    INVISIBLE    BEING.  85 

them  to  indolence,  have  they  been  so  much  the  more 
strenuous  and  unwearied  in  the  use  of  their  own 
unaided  endeavors  ?  or  rather,  have  they  not  been 
equally  negligent  of  both  1  Renouncing  the  one,  they 
have  wholly  omitted  the  other.  But  this  is  far  from 
being  all.  They  even  reverse  all  the  methods  which 
we  have  recommended  as  being  calculated  to  in- 
crease regard ;  and  exactly  follow  that  course  which 
would  be  pursued  by  any  one  who  should  wish  to 
reduce  an  excessive  affection.  Yet  thus  leaving  un- 
tried all  the  means  which,  whether  from  reason  or 
Scripture,  we  maintain  to  be  necessary  to  the  pro- 
duction of  the  end,  nay,  using  such  as  are  of  a  di- 
rectly opposite  nature,  these  men  presume  to  talk  to 
us  of  impossibilities !  We  may  rather  contend  that 
they  furnish  a  fresh  proof  of  the  soundness  of  our 
reasonings.  We  lay  it  down  as  a  fundamental  posi- 
tion, that  speculative  knowledge  alone,  that  mere 
superficial, cursory  considerations,  will  be  of  no  avail. 
Nothing  is  to  be  done  without  the  diligentjcontinued 
use  of  the  appointed  method.  They  themselves  af- 
ford an  instance  of  the  truth  of  our  assertions ;  and 
while  they  supply  no  argument  against  the  efficacy 
of  the  mode  prescribed,  they  acknowledge  at  least 
that  they  are  wholly  ignorant  of  any  other. 

But  let  us  now  turn  our  eyes  to  Christians  of  a 

higher  order,  to  those  who  have  actually  proved  the 

truth  of  our  reasonings  ;  who  have  not  only  assumed 

the  name,  but  v/ho  have  possessed  the  substance,  and 

8 


86  REASONABLENESS   <)F    AFFECTIONS 

felt  the  power  of  Christianity  ;  who,  though  often 
foiled  by  their  remaining  corruptions,  and  shamed 
and  cast  down  under  a  sense  of  their  many  imper 
fections,  have  known  in  their  better  seasons  what  it 
was  to  experience  its  firm  hope,  its  dignified  joy,  its 
unshaken  trust,  its  more  than  human  consolations. 
In  their  hearts,  love  also  towards  their  Redeemer 
has  glowed  ;  a  love  not  superficial  and  unmeaning, 
(think  not  that  this  would  be  the  subject  of  our 
praise,)  but  constant  and  rational,  resulting  from  a 
strong  impression  of  the  worth  of  its  object,  and 
heightened  by  an  abiding  sense  of  great,  unmerited^ 
and  continually  accumulating  obligations ;  ever  mani- 
festing itself  in  acts  of  diligent  obedience  or  of  patient 
suffering.  Such  was  the  religion  of  the  holy  martyrs 
of  the  sixteenth  century,  the  illustrious  ornaments  of 
the  Christian  church.  They  realized  the  theory 
which  we  have  now  been  faintly  tracing.  Look  to 
their  writings,  and  you  will  find  that  their  thoughts 
and  aflfections  had  been  much  exercised  in  habitual 
views  of  the  blessed  Jesus.  Thus  they  used  the  re- 
quired means.  What  were  the  effects  ?  Persecution 
and  distress,  degradation  and  contempt,  assailed  them 
in  vain  :  all  these  evils  served  but  to  bring  their  af- 
fections into  closer  contact  with  their  object ;  and  not 
only  did  their  love  feel  no  diminution  or  abatement, 
but  it  rose  to  all  the  exigencies  of  the  occasion,  and 
burned  with  an  increase  of  ardor ;  and  when  brought 
forth  at  last  to  a  cruel  and  ignominious  death,  they 


TOWARDS    AN    INVISIBLE    BEING.  87 

repined  not  at  their  fate;  but  rather  rejoiced  that 
they  were  counted  worthy  to  suffer  for  the  name  of 
Christ.  By  the  blessing-  of  God  the  writer  might 
refer  to  still  more  recent  times.  But  lest  his  authori- 
ties should  be  disputed,  let  us  go  to  the  apostles  of 
our  Lord ;  and  while,  on  a  very  cursory  perusal  of 
their  writings,  we  must  acknowledge  that  they  com- 
mend and  even  prescribe  to  us  the  love  of  Christ,  as 
one  of  the  chief  of  the  Christian  graces ;  so,  on  a 
more  attentive  inspection  of  those  writings,  we  shall 
discover  abundant  proofs  that  they  were  themselves 
bright  examples  of  their  own  precept ;  that  our 
blessed  Savior  was  really  the  object  of  their  warmest 
affection,  and  what  he  had  done  and  suffered  for 
them  the  continual  matter  of  their  grateful  remem- 
brance. 

The  disposition  so  prevalent  in  the  bulk  of  nomi- 
nal Christians,  to  form  a  religious  sj^-stem  for  them- 
selves, instead  of  taking  it  from  the  word  of  God,  is 
strikingly  observable  in  their  scarcely  admitting, 
except  in  the  most  vague  and  general  sense,  the 
doctrine  of  the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  If  we 
look  into  the  Scriptures  for  information  on  this  par- 
ticular, we  learn  a  very  different  lesson.  We  are  in 
them  distinctly  taught,  that  "  of  ourselves  we  can  do 
nothing;"  that  "we  are  by  nature  children  of  wrath," 
and  under  the  power  of  the  evil  spirit,  our  under- 
standings being  naturally  dark,  and  our  hearts  averse 
from  spiritual  things ;  and  we  are  directed  to  pray 


88         REASONABLENESS    OF    AFFECTIONS  drc. 

for  the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  enlighten  our 
understandings,  to  dissipate  our  prejudices,  to  purify 
our  corrupt  minds,  and  to  renew  us  after  the  image 
of  our  heavenly  Father.  It  is  this  influence  which 
is  represented  as  originally  awakening  us  from 
slumber,  as  enlightening  us  in  darkness,  as  "  quick- 
ening us  when  dead,"  Eph.  2 :  1-5,  as  "  delivering 
us  from  the  power  of  the  devil,"  as  drawing  us  to 
God,  as  "  translating  us  into  the  kingdom  of  his 
dear  Son,"  Col,  1  :  13,  as  creating  us  anew  in  Christ 
Jesus,"  Eph.  2 :  10,  as  "  dwelling  in  us,  and  walk- 
ing in  us;"  2  Cor.  6:  16;  so  that  "putting  off  the 
old  man  with  his  deeds,"  we  are  to  consider  our- 
selves as  ••  having  put  on  the  new  man,  which  is 
renewed  in  knowledge  after  the  image  of  Him  that 
created  him;"  Col.  3  :  9-10,  and  as  those  who  are 
to  be  •'  an  habitation  of  God  through  the  ,Spirit," 
Eph.  2 :  22.  It  is  by  this  divine  assistance  only  that 
we  can  grow  in  grace,  and  improve  in  all  holiness. 
So  expressly,  particularly,  and  repeatedly  does  the 
word  of  God  inculcate  these  lessons,  that  one  would 
think  there  were  scarcely  room  for  any  difference 
of  opinion  among  those  who  admit  its  authority. 
Sometimes*  the  whole  of  a  Christian's  repentance 
and  faith,  and  consequent  holiness,  are  ascribed 
generally  to  the  Divine  influence ;  sometimes  these 

*  See  Dr.  Doddridge's  Eight  Sermons  on  Regeneration,  a 
most  valuable  compilation;  and  M'Laurin's  Essay  on  Di- 
vine Grace. 


INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS,  Jcc.  89 

are  spoken  of  separately,  and  ascribed  to  the  same 
Almighty  power.  Sometimes  different,  particular 
graces  of  the  christian  character,  those  which  res- 
pect our  duties  and  tempers  towards  our  fellow-crea- 
tures, no  less  than  those  which  have  reference  to  the 
Supreme  Being,  are  particularly  traced  to  this  source. 
Sometimes  they  are  all  referred  collectively  to  this 
common  root,  being  comprehended  under  the  com- 
pendious denomination  of  "the  fruits  of  the  Spirit." 
In  exact  correspondence  with  these  representations, 
this  aid  from  above  is  promised,  in  other  parts  of 
Scripture,  for  the  production  of  those  effects  ;  and  the 
withholding  or  withdrawing  of  it  is  occasionally 
threatened  as  a  punishment  for  the  sins  of  men,  and 
as  one  of  the  most  fatal  consequences  of  the  Divine 
displeasure. 

SECTION    IV. 

Inadequate  conceptions  entertained  by  nominal  Christians  of 
the  terms  of  acceptance  with  God. 

If  then  it  be  indeed  as  now  stated — that,  in  con- 
tradiction to  the  plainest  dictates  of  Scripture,  the 
sanctifying  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  first 
fruits  of  our  reconciliation  to  God,  the  purchase  of 
our  Redeemer's  death,  and  his  best  gift  to  his  true 
disciples,  are  too  generally  undervalued  and  slight- 
ed ;  if  it  be  also  true,  as  was  formerly  proved,  that 
>ur  thoughts  of  the  blessed  Savior  are  confused  and 
8* 


90        INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

faint,  our  afTections  towards  him  languid  and  luke- 
warm, little  proportioned  to  what  those  who  at  such 
a  price  have  been  rescued  from  ruin,  and  endowed 
with  a  title  to  eternal  glory,  might  be  justly  expect- 
ed to  feel  towards  the  Author  of  their  deliverance  ; 
little  proportioned  to  what  has  been  felt  by  others,  ran- 
somed from  the  same  ruin,  and  partakers  of  the  same 
inheritance : — if  this,  let  it  be  repeated,  be  indeed  so, 
let  us  not  shut  our  eyes  against  the  perception  of  our 
real  state ;  but  rather  endeavor  to  trace  the  evil  to  its 
source.  We  are  loudly  called  on  to  examine  well 
our  foundations.  If  any  thing  be  there  unsound  and 
hollow,  the  superstructure  could  not  be  safe,  though 
its  exterior  were  less  suspicious.  Let  the  question 
then  be  asked,  and  let  the  answer  be  returned  with 
all  the  consideration  and  solemnity  which  a  ques- 
tion so  important  may  justly  demand,  whether,  in  the 
grand  concern  of  all,  the  means  of  a  sinner's  accep- 
tance with  God,  there  is  not  reason  to  apprehend, 
that  the  nominal  Christians  whom  we  have  been 
addressing,  too  generally  entertain  very  superficial 
and  confused,  and  (to  speak  in  the  softest  terms)  high- 
ly dangerous  notions  ?  Is  there  not  reason  to  fear, 
that  with  little  more  than  an  indistinct  and  nominal 
reference  to  Him  who  "bore  our  sins  in  his  own  body 
on  the  tree,"  they  really  rest  their  eternal  hopes  on 
a  vague,  general  persuasion  of  the  unqualified  mer- 
cy of  the  Supreme  Being ;  or  that,  still  more  errone- 
ously, they  rely  in  the  main  on  their  own  negative 


TERMS    OF    ACCEPTANCE    WITH    GOD.  91 

or  positive  merits  ?  "  They  can  look  upon  their  lives 
with  an  impartial  eye,  and  congratulate  themselves 
on  their  inoffensiveness  in  society  ;  on  their  having 
been  exempt  at  least  from  any  gross  vice,  or  if 
sometimes  accidentally  betrayed  into  it,  on  its  never 
having  been  indulged  habitually  ;  or  if  not  even  so," 
(for  there  are  but  few  who  can  say  this,  if  the  term 
vice  be  explained  according  to  the  strict  requisitions 
of  the  Gospel,)  "yet  on  the  balance  being  in  their 
favor,  or,  on  the  whole,  not  much  against  them, . 
when  their  good  and  bad  actions  are  fairly  weigh 
ed,  and  due  allowance  is  made  for  human  frailty." 
These  considerations  are  sufficient  for  the  most  part 
to  compose  their  apprehensions  ;  these  are  the  cor- 
dials which  they  find  most  at  hand  in  the  moments 
of  serious  thought,  or  of  occasional  dejection ;  and 
sometimes  perhaps,  in  seasons  of  less  than  ordinary 
self-complacency,  they  call  in  also  to  their  aid,  the 
general  persuasion  of  the  unbounded  mercy  and  pity 
of  God.  Yet  persons  of  this  description  by  no 
means  disclaim  a  Savior,  or  avowedly  relinquish 
their  title  to  a  share  in  the  benefits  of  his  death. 
They  close  their  petitions  with  the  name  of  Christ; 
but  if  not  chiefly  from  the  effect  of  habit,  or  out  of 
decent  conformity  to  the  established  faith,  yet  surely 
with  something  of  the  same  ambiguity  of  principle 
which  influenced  the  expiring  philosopher,  when  he 
ordered  the  customary  mark  of  homage  to  be  paid 
to  the  god  of  medicine. 


92       INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

Others  go  farther  than  this ;  for  there  are  many 
shades  of  difference  between  those  who  flatly  re- 
nounce, and  those  who  cordially  embrace  the  doc- 
trine of  redemption  by  Christ.  This  class  has  a  sort 
of  general,  indeterminate,  and  ill  understood  depen- 
dence on  our  blessed  Savior.  But  their  hopes,  so 
far  as  they  can  be  distinctly  made  out,  (for  their 
views  also  are  very  obscure,)  appear  ultimately  to 
be  founded  on  the  persuasion  that  they  are  now, 
through  Christ,  become  members  of  a  new  dispen- 
sation, wherein  they  will  be  tried  by  a  more  leni- 
ent rule  than  that  to  which  they  must  have  been  other- 
wise subject.  Their  reasoning  is  this  :  "  God  will 
not  now  be  extreme  to  mark  what  is  done  amiss ; 
but  will  dispense  with  the  rigorous  exactions  of  his 
law,  too  strict,  indeed,  for  such  frail  creatures  as  we 
are  to  hope  that  we  can  fulfill  it.  Christianity  has 
moderated  the  requisitions  of  Divine  justice ;  and 
all  which  is  now  required  of  us,  is  thankfully  to  trust 
to  the  merits  of  Christ  for  the  pardon  of  our  sins,  and 
the  acceptance  of  our  sincere  though  imperfect  obe- 
dience. The  frailties  and  infirmities  to  which  our 
nature  is  liable,  or  to  which  our  situation  in  life  ex- 
poses us,  will  not  be  severely  judged ;  and  as  it  is 
practice  that  really  determines  the  character,  we 
may  rest  satisfied,  that  if,  on  the  whole,  our  lives  be 
tolerably  good,  we  shall  escape  with  little  or  no  pun- 
ishment, and,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  shall 
be  finally  partakers  of  heavenly  felicity." 


TERMS    OF    ACCEPTANCE    WITH    GOD.  93 

We  cannot  dive  into  the  human  heart,  and  there- 
fore should  always  speak  with  caution  and  diffi- 
dence, when  from  external  appearances  or  declara- 
tions we  are  affirming  the  existence  of  any  internal 
principles  and  feelings ;  especially  as  we  are  liable 
to  be  misled  by  the  ambiguities  of  language,  or  by 
the  inaccuracy  with  which  others  may  express 
themselves.  But  it  is  sometimes  not  difficult  to  any 
one  who  is  accustomed  (if  the  phrase  may  be  allow- 
ed) to  the  anatomy  of  the  human  mind,  to  discern, 
that  generally  speaking,  the  persons  who  use  the 
above  language  rely  not  so  much  on  the  merits  of 
Christ,  and  on  the  agency  of  Divine  grace,  as  on 
their  own  power  of  fulfilling  the  moderated  requisi- 
tions of  Divine  justice.  He  wi]l  hence  therefore 
discover  in  them  a  disposition  rather  to  extenuate 
the  malignity  of  their  disease,  than  to  magnify  the 
excellence  of  the  proffered  remedy.  He  will  find 
them  apt  to  palliate  in  themselves  what  they  cannot 
fully  justify,  to  enhance  the  merit  of  what  they  be- 
lieve to  be  their  good  qualities  and  commendable  ac- 
tions, to  set,  as  it  were,  in  an  account  the  good  against 
the  bad ;  and  if  the  result  be  not  very  unfavorable, 
they  conceive  that  they  shall  be  entitled  to  claim  the 
benefits  of  our  Savior's  sufferings  as  a  thing  of 
course.  They  have  little  idea,  so  little,  that  it  might 
almost  be  affirmed  that  they  have  no  idea  at  all,  of 
the  importance  or  difficulty  of  the  duty  of  what  the 
Scripture  calls   "submitting  ourselves  to  the  righ- 


94  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OP 

teousness  of  God ;"  or  of  our  proneness  rather  to  jus- 
tify ourselves  in  his  sight,  than  in  the  language  of 
imploring  penitents  to  acknowledge  ourselves  guilty 
and  helpless  sinners.  They  have  never  summoned 
themselves  to  this  entire  and  unqualified  renuncia- 
tion of  their  own  merits  and  their  own  strength ; 
and  therefore  they  remain  strangers  to  the  natural 
loftiness  of  the  human  heart,  which  such  a  call 
would  have  awakened  into  action,  and  roused  to  re- 
sistance. All  these  their  several  errors  naturally 
result  from  the  mistaken  conception  entertained  cf 
the  fundamental  principles  of  Christianity.  They 
consider  not  that  Christianity  is  a  scheme  for  "jus- 
tifying the  ungodly,"  Rom.  4  :  5,  by  Christ's  dying 
for  them  "  when  yet  sinners,"*  Rom.  5  :  6,  8 ;  a 
scheme  "for  reconciling  us  to  God,  when  enemies;" 

*  The  writer  trusts  he  cannot  be  misunderstood  to  mean 
that  any,  continuing  sinners  and  ungodly,  can,  by  believing, 
be  accepted  or  finally  saved.  The  following  chapter,  par- 
ticularly the  latter  part  of  it,  (section  vi.)  would  abundantly 
vindicate  him  from  any  such  misconstruction.  Meanwhile, 
he  will  only  remark,  that  true  faith  (in  which  repentance 
is  considered  as  involved)  is  in  Scripture  regarded  as  the 
radical  principle  of  holiness.  If  the  root  exist,  the  proper 
fruits  will  be  brought  forth.  An  attention  to  this  considera- 
tion would  have  easily  explained  and  reconciled  those  pas- 
sages of  St.  Paul's  and  St,  James'  epistles,  which  have  fui- 
nished  so  much  argument  and  criticism.  St.  James,  it  may 
be  observed,  all  along  speaks  of  a  man,  not  who  has  faith, 
but  who  says  that  he  has  faith.    Vide  James,  2  :  14,  &c.  &c. 


TERMS    OF    ACCEPTANCE    WITH    GOD.  95 

and  for  making  the  /ruits  of  holiness  the  effects,* 
not  the  cause  of  our  being  justified  and  reconciled  : 
that,  in  short,  it  opens  freely  the  door  of  mercy  to 
the  greatest  and  vilest  of  penitent  sinners;  that 
obeying  the  blessed  impulse  of  the  grace  of  God, 
whereby  they  had  been  awakened  from  the  sleep  of 
death,  and  moved  lo  seek  for  pardon,  they  might 
enter  in,  and  through  the  regenerating  influences  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  might  be  enabled  to  bring  forth  the 
fruits  of  righteousness.  They  rather  conceive  of 
Christianity  as  opening  the  door  of  mercy,  that 
those  who  on  the  ground  of  their  own  merits  could 
not  have  hoped  to  justify  themselves  before  God, 
may  yet  be  admitted,  for  Christ's  sake,  on  condition 
of  their  having  previously  satisfied  the  moderated 
requisitions  of  Divine  justice.  In  speaking  to  others 
also  of  the  Gospel  scheme,  they  are  apt  to  talk  too 
much  of  terms  and  performances  on  our  part,  on 
which  we  become  entitled  to  an  interest  in  the  suf- 
ferings of  Christ ;  instead  of  stating  the  benefits  of 
Christ's  satisfaction  as  extended  to  us  freely,  "with- 
out money  and  without  price." 

The  practical  consequences  of  these  errors  are 
such  as  might  be  expected.  They  tend  to  prevent 
that  sense  which  we  ought  to  entertain  of  our  own 
natural  misery  and  helplessness  ;  and  that  deep  feel- 
ing of  gratitude  for  the  sufferings,  merits,  and  inter- 
cession of  Christ,  to  which  we  are  wholly  indebted 
*Vide  note,  ch.  4,  sec,  6. 


96  1NADE(1UATE    CONCEPTIONS    Of 

for  our  reconciliation  to  God,  and  for  the  will  and 
the  power,  from  first  to  last,  to  work  out  our  own 
salvation.  They  consider  it  too  much  in  the  light  of 
a  contract  between  two  parties,  wherein  each,  inde- 
pendently of  the  other,  has  his  own  distinct  condi- 
tion to  perform  ;  man — to  do  what  they  account  hia 
duty ;  God — to  justify  and  accept  for  Christ's  sake  : 
if  they  fail  not  in  the  discharge  of  their  condition, 
assuredly  the  condition  on  God's  part  will  be  faith- 
fully fulfilled.  Accordingly,  we  find  in  fact,  that 
those  who  represent  the  Gospel  scheme  in  the  man- 
ner above  described,  give  evidence  of  the  subject 
with  which  their  hearts  are  most  filled,  by  their 
proneness  to  run  into  merely  moral  disquisitions, 
either  not  mentioning  at  all,  or  at  least  but  cursorily 
touching  on  the  sufferings  and  love  of  their  Re- 
deemer ;  and  are  little  apt  to  kindle  at  their  Savior's 
name,  and,  like  the  apostles,  to  be  betrayed  by  their 
fervor  into  what  may  be  almost  an  untimely  des- 
cant on  the  riches  of  his  unutterable  mercy.  In 
addressing  others  also  whom  thej''  conceive  to  be 
living  in  habits  of  sin,  and  under  the  wrath  of  God, 
they  rather  advise  them  to  amend  their  ways  as  a 
preparation  for  their  coming  to  Christ,  than  exhort 
them  to  throw  themselves  with  deep  prostration  oi 
soul  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  there  to  obtain  pardon 
and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 

The  great  importance  of  the  subject  in  question 
will  justify  having  been  thus  particular.    On  a  ques- 


TERMS    OF    ACCEPTANCE    WITH    GOD.  97 

tion  of  such  mao^itude,  to  mistake  our  meaning 
should  be  impossible.  But  after  all  which  has  been 
said,  let  it  also  be  remembered,  that  except  so  far  as 
the  instruction  of  others  is  concerned,  the  point  of 
importance  is,  the  internal  disposition  of  the  mind. 
The  great  question  is,  where  the  dependence  for  par- 
don, and  for  holiness,  is  really  placed ;  not  what  the 
language  is  in  which  men  express  themselves. 

If  this  so  generally  prevailing  error  concerning 
the  nature  of  the  gospel  offer  be  in  any  considerable 
degree  just,  it  will  explain  that  so  generally  prevail- 
ing languor  in  the  affections  towards  our  blessed 
Savior  which  was  formerly  remarked,  and  that  in- 
adequate impression  of  the  necessity  and  value  of 
the  assistance  of  the  Divine  Spirit.  According  to 
the  soundest  principles  of  reasoning,  it  may  be  also 
adduced  as  an  additional  proof  of  the  correctness  of 
our  present  statement,  that  it  so  exactly  falls  in  with 
those  phenomena,  and  so  naturally  accounts  for  them. 
For,  even  admitting  that  the  persons  above  men- 
tioned, particularly  the  last  class,  do  at  the  bottom 
rely  on  the  atonement  of  Christ ;  yet  on  their  scheme, 
it  must  necessarily  happen,  that  the  object  to  which 
they  are  most  accustomed  to  look,  from  which  they 
most  habitually  derive  complacency,  is  rather  their 
own  qualified  merit  and  services,  though  confessed 
to  be  inadequate,  fhan  the  sufferings  and  atoning 
death  of  a  crucified  Savior.  The  affections  to- 
wards our  blessed  Lord  cannot  be  expected  to  flou* 
9 


'98  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

rish,  because  they  receive  not  that  which  is  necessary 
to  their  nutriment  and  growth.  If  we  would  love 
him  as  affectionately,  and  rejoice  m  him  as  triumph- 
antly as  the  first  Christians  did,  we  must  learn  like 
them  to  repose  our  entire  trust  in  him,  and  to  adopt 
the  language  of  the  apostle,  "  God  forbid  that  I 
should  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ."  Gal.  6  :  14.  "Who  of  God  is  made  unto 
us  wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctification, 
and  redemption."  1  Cor.  1  :  30. 

Doubtless  there  have  been  too  many  who,  to  their 
eternal  ruin,  have  abused  the  doctrine  of  salvation 
by  grace ;  and  have  vainly  trusted  in  Christ  for  par- 
don and  acceptance,  when  by  their  vicious  lives  they 
have  plainly  proved  the  groundlessness  of  their  pre- 
tensions. The  tree  is  to  be  known  by  its  fruits ; 
and  there  is  too  much  reason  to  fear  that  there  is  no 
principle  of  faith,  when  it  does  not  decidedly  evince 
itself  by  the  fruits  of  holiness.  Dreadful  indeed  will 
be  the  doom,  above  that  of  all  others,  of  those  loose 
professors  of  Christianity,  to  whom  at  the  last  day 
our  blessed  Savior  will  address  those  words,  "  I 
never  knew  you ;  depart  from  me,  ye  that  work  in- 
iquity." But  the  danger  of  error  on  this  side  ought 
not  to  render  us  insensible  to  the  opposite  error ;  ;  . 
error  against  which  in  these  days  it  seems  particu- 
larly necessary  to  guard.  It  is  far  from  the  inten- 
tion of  the  writer  of  this  work  to  enter  into  the 
niceties  of  controversy ;  but  surely  he  may  be  per- 


TERMS    OF    ACCEPTANCE    WITH    GOD.         •  99 

niitted  to  contend,  that  those  who  in  the  main  be- 
lieve the  doctrines  of  the  church  of  England,  are 
bound  to  allow  that  our  dependence  on  our  blessed 
Savior,  as  alone  the  meritorious  cause  of  our  ac- 
ceptance with  God,  and  as  the  means  of  all  its  bless- 
ed fruits  and  glorious  consequences,  must  be  not 
merely  formal  and  nominal,  but  real  and  substantial ; 
not  vague,  qualified,  and  partial,  but  direct,  cordial, 
and  entire.  "Repentance  towards  God,  and  faith 
towards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  was  the  sum  of  the 
apostolical  instructions.  It  is  not  an  occasional  in- 
vocation of  the  name,  or  a  transient  recognition  ot 
the  authority  of  Christ,  that  fills  up  the  measure  of 
the  term,  believing  in  Jesus.  This  we  shall  find  no 
such  easy  task  ;  and  if  we  trust  that  we  do  believe, 
we  should  all  perhaps  do  well  to  cry  out  in  the 
words  of  an  imploring  suppliant,  (he  supplicated 
not  in  vain,)  "  Lord,  help  thou  our  unbelief."  We 
must  be  deeply  conscious  of  our  guilt  and  misery, 
heartily  repenting  of  our  sins,  and  firmly  resolving 
to  forsake  them:  and  thus  penitently  "fleeing  for 
refuge  to  the  hope  set  before  us,"  we  must  found 
altogether  on  the  merit  of  the  crucified  Redeemer 
our  hopes  of  escape  from  their  deserved  punishment, 
and  of  deliverance  from  their  enslaving  power.  This 
must  be  our  first,  our  last,  our  only  plea.  We 
are  to  surrender  ourselves  up  to  him  to  "  be  washed 
m  his  blood,"  Rev.  1  :  5,  to  be  sanctified  by  his 
Spirit,  resolving  to   receive  him  for  our  Lord  and 


100       INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

Master,  to  learn  in  his  school,  to  obey  all  his  com- 
mandments. 

We  would  still  more  particularly  address  our- 
selves to  others  who  are  disposed  to  believe  that 
though,  in  some  obscure  and  vague  sense,  the  death 
of  Christ,  as  the  satisfaction  for  our  sins,  and  for  the 
purchase  of  our  future  happiness,  and  the  sanctify- 
ing influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  are  to  be  admitted 
as  fundamental  articles  of  our  creed,  yet  that  these 
are  doctrines  so  much  above  us,  that  they  are  not 
objects  suited  to  our  capacities  ;  and  that,  turning  our 
eyes  from  these  difficult  speculations,  we  should  fix 
them  on  the  practical  and  moral  precepts  of  the  Gos- 
pel. "  These,"  they  alledge,  "  it  most  concerns  us  to 
know ;  these  therefore  let  us  study.  Such  is  the  frailty 
of  our  nature,  such  the  strength  and  number  of  our 
temptations  to  evil,  that  in  reducing  the  gospel  mo- 
rality to  practice  we  shall  find  full  employment :  and 
by  attending  to  these  moral  precepts,  rather  than  to 
those  high  mysterious  doctrines  which  you  are  press- 
ing on  us,  we  shall  best  prepare  to  appear  before 
God  on  that  tremendous  day,  when  '  He  shall  judge 
every  man  according  to  his  works.' 

"  *  Vain  wisdom  all,  and  false  philosophy !' " 

It  will  at  once  destroy  this  flimsy  web,  to  reply  in 
the  word?  of  our  blessed  Savior,  and  of  his  beloved 
disciple — *'  This  is  the  work  of  God,  that  ye  believe 
on  him  whom  he  hath  sent."  John,  6 :  29.  "  This  is 


TERMS    OF    ACCEPTANCE    WITH    GOD.  101 

his  commandment,  That  we  should  believe  on  the 
name  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,"  1  John.  3  :  23.  In 
truth,  if  we  consider  but  for  a  moment  the  opinions 
of  men  who  argue  thus,  we  must  be  conscious  of 
their  absurdity.  This  may  be  not  inconsistently  the 
language  of  the  modern  Unitarian ;  but  surely  it  is 
in  the  highest  degree  unreasonable  to  admit  into  our 
scheme  all  the  grand  peculiarities  of  Christianity, 
and  having  admitted,  to  neglect  and  think  no  more 
of  them  !  "  Wherefore,"  (might  the  Socinian  say,) 
"  wherefore  all  this  costly  and  complicated  machine- 
ry ?  It  is  so  little  like  the  simplicity  of  nature,  it  is 
so  unworthy  of  the  Divine  hand,  that  it  even  offends 
against  those  rules  of  propriety  which  we  require  to 
be  observed  in  the  imperfect  compositions  of  the 
human  intellect."* 

Well  may  the  Socinian  assume  this  lofty  tone  with 
those  whom  we  are  now  addressing.  If  these  are 
indeed  the  doctrines  of  revelation,  common  sense 
suggests  to  us  that  from  their  nature  and  their  mag- 
nitude they  deserve  our  most  serious  regard.  It  is 
the  very  theology  of  Epicurus  to  allow  the  existence 
of  these  "  heavenly  things,"  but  to  deny  their  con- 
nexion with  human  concerns,  and  their  influence  on 
human  actions.  Besides  the  unreasonableness  of  this 
conduct,  we  might  strongly  urge  also  in  this  con- 
nexion the  profaneness  of  thus  treating  as  matters  of 

♦  Nee  Dens  intersit,  &c. 


102  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

subordinate  consideration  those  parts  of  the  system 
of  Christianity  which  are  so  strongly  impressed  on 
our  reverence  by  the  dignity  of  the  person  to  whom 
they  relate.  This  very  argument  is  indeed  repeatedly 
and  pointedly  pressed  by  the  sacred  writers.* 

Nor  is  the  profane  irreverence  of  this  conduct 
more  striking  than  its  ingratitude.  When  from  read- 
ing that  our  Savior  was  "  the  brightness  of  his  Fa- 
ther's glory,  and  the  express  image  of  his  person, 
upholding  all  things  by  the  word  of  his  power,"  we 
go  on  to  consider  the  purpose  for  which  he  came  on 
earth,  and  all  that  he  did  and  suffered  for  us ;  surely 
if  we  have  a  spark  of  ingenuousness  left  we  shall 
condemn  ourselves  as  guilty  of  the  blackest  ingrati- 
tude, in  rarely  noticing,  or  coldly  turning  away,  on 
whatever  shallow  pretences,  from  the  contemplation 
of  these  miracles  of  mercy.  For  those  minds,  how- 
ever, on  which  fear  alone  can  operate,  that  motive  is 
superadded :  and  we  are  plainly  forewarned,  both 
directly  and  indirectly,  by  the  example  of  the  Jewish 
nation,  that  God  will  not  hold  them  guiltless  who 
are  thus  unmindful  of  his  most  signal  acts  of  con- 
descension and  kindness.  But  as  this  is  a  question 
of  pure  revelation,  reasonings  from  probability  may 
not  be  deemed  decisive.  To  revelation  therefore  we 
must  appeal ;  and  as  it  might  be  to  trespass  on  the 
reader's  patience  fully  to  discuss  this  most  important 

♦  SeeHeb.  2:l,&c. 


TERMS  OF  ACCEPTANCE  WITH  GOD.    103 

subject,  we  must  refer  him  to  the  sacred  writings 
themselves  for  complete  satisfaction.  We  would 
earnestly  recommend  i-t  to  him  to  weigh  with  the  ut- 
most seriousness  those  passages  of  Scripture  wherein 
the  peculiar  doctrines  of  Christianity  are  expressly 
mentioned  *  and  farther,  to  attend  with  due  regard  to 
the  illustration  and  confirmation  which  the  conclu- 
sions resulting  from  those  passages  receive  inci- 
dentally from  the  word  of  God.  Those  who  main- 
tain the  opinion  which  we  are  combating,  will  hereby 
become  convinced  that  theirs  is  indeed  an  unscrip- 
tural  religion;  and  will  learn,  instead  of  turning  off 
their  eyes  from  the  grand  peculiarities  of  Chris- 
tianity, to  keep  these  ever  in  view,  as  the  first  prin- 
ciples whence  all  the  rest  must  derive  their  origin, 
and  receive  their  best  support.* 

*  Any  one  who  wishes  to  investigate  this  subject,  will  do 
well  to  study  attentively  M'Laurin's  Essay  on  Prejudiceij 
against  the  Gospel. — It  may  not  be  amiss  here  to  direct  the 
reader's  attention  to  a  few  leading  arguments,  many  of  them 
those  of  the  work  just  recommended.  Let  him  maturely 
estimate  the  force  of  those  terms,  whereby  the  apostle  in  the 
following  passages  designates  and  characterizes  the  whole 
of  the  Christian  system.  "  We  preach  Christ  crucified." 
"  We  determined  to  know  nothing  among  you,  sare  Jesus 
Christ,  and  him  crucified."  The  value  of  this  argument 
will  be  acknowledged  by  all  who  consider  that  a  system  is 
never  designated  by  an  immaterial  or  an  inferior  part  of  it, 
but  by  that  which  constitutes  its  prime  consideration  and 
essential  distinction.  The  conclusion  suggested  by  this  re- 
mark is  confirmed  by  the  Lord's  supper  being  the  rite  by 


104      INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OP 

Let  us  then,  each  for  himself,  solemnly  ask  our- 
selves, whether  ice  have  fled  for  refuge  to  the  ap- 
pointed hope  ?  And  whether  we  are  habitually  look- 
ing to  it,  as  to  the  only  source  of  consolation? 
*'  Other  foundation  can  no  man  lay :"  there  is  no 
other  ground  of  dependence,  no  other  plea  for  pardon ; 
bi''  '  ere  there  is  hope,  even  to  the  uttermost.  Let 
u&  ,^oor  then  to  affect  our  hearts  with  a  deep  con- 

which  our  Savior  himself  commanded  his  disciples  to  keep 
him  in  remembrance ;  and  indeed  a  similar  lesson  is  taught 
by  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  which  shadows  out  our  souls 
being  washed  and  purified  by  the  blood  of  Christ.  ObseiA'^e 
next  the  frequency  with  which  our  Savior's  death  and  suf- 
ferings are  introduced,  and  how  often  they  are  urged  as 
practical  motives. 

"  The  minds  of  the  apostles  seem  full  of  this  subject. 
Every  thing  put  them  in  mind  of  it ;  they  did  not  allow  them- 
selves to  have  it  long  out  of  their  view,  nor  did  any  other 
branch  of  spiritual  instruction  make  them  lose  sight  of  it." 
Consider  next  that  part  of  the  epistle  to  the  Romans,  where- 
in St.  Paul  speaks  of  some  who  went  about  to  establish  their 
owTi  righteousness,  and  had  not  submitted  themselves  to 
the  righteousness  of  God.  May  not  this  charge  be  in  some 
degree  urged,  and  even  more  strongly  than  in  the  case  of 
the  Jews,  against  those  who  satisfy  themselves  with  vague, 
general,  occasional  thoughts  of  our  Savior's  mediation ;  and 
the  source  of  whose  habitual  complacency,  as  we  explained 
above,  is  rather  their  being  tolerably  well  satisfied  with 
their  own  characters  and  conduct  *?  Yet  St.  Paul  declares 
concerning  those  of  whom  he  speaks,  as  concerning  persons 
%vho3«  sad  situation  could  not  be  too  much  lamented,  that  he 
had  Ifreat  heaviness  and  continual  sorrow  in  his  heart. 


TERMS  OF  ACCEPTANCE  WITH  GOD.    105 

viction  of  our  need  of  a  Redeemer,  and  of  the  value 
of  his  offered  mediation.  Let  us  fall  down  humbly 
before  the  throne  of  God,  imploring  pity  and  pardon 
in  the  name  of  the  Son  of  his  love.  Let  us  beseech 
him  to  give  us  a  true  spirit  of  repentance,  and  of 
hearty  undivided  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus.  Let  us  not 
be  satisfied  till  the  cordiality  of  our  belief  be  con- 
firmed to  us  by  that  character  of  the  apostle,  "  that  to 

adding  still  more  emphatical  expressions  of  deep  and  bitter 
regret. 

Let  the  Epistle  to  theGalatians  be  also  carefully  examined 
and  considered ;  and  let  it  be  fairly  asked,  what  was  the  par- 
ticular in  which  the  Judaizing  Christians  were  defective, 
and  the  want  of  which  is  spoken  of  in  such  strong  terms  as 
these  ;  that  if  frustrates  the  grace  of  God,  and  must  debar 
from  all  the  benefits  of  the  death  of  Jesus  1  The  Judaizing 
converts  were  not  immoral.  They  seem  to  have  admitted 
the  chief  tenets  concerning  our  Savior.  But  they  appear  to 
have  been  disposed  to  trust,  (not  wholly,  be  it  observed  also, 
but  only  in  part,)  for  their  acceptance  with  God,  to  the  Mo' 
saic  institutions,  instead  of  reposing  wholly  on  the  merits  of 
Christ,  Here  let  it  be  remembered,  that  when  a  compliance 
with  these  institutions  was  not  regarded  ajs  conveying  this 
inference,  the  apostle  showed  by  his  own  conduct  that  he 
did  not  deem  it  criminal ;  whence,  no  less  than  from  the 
words  of  the  epistle,  it  is  clear  that  the  offence  of  the  Ju. 
daizing  Christians  whom  he  condemned,  was  what  we  have 
stated ;  not  their  obstinately  continuing  to  adhere  to  a  dis« 
pensation,  the  ceremonial  of  which  Christianity  had  abro- 
gated, or  their  trusting  to  the  sacrifices  of  the  Levitical  law, 
which  were  in  their  own  nature  inefficacious  for  the  blotting 
out  of  sin.  See  Heb.  7,  8,  9,  10. 


106      INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  Of 

as  many  as  believe  Christ  is  precious  ;"  and  let  us 
strive  to  increase  daily  in  love  towards  our  blessed 
Savior ;  and  pray  earnestly  that  "  we  may  be  filled 
with  joy  and  peace  in  believing,  that  we  may  abound 
in  hope,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 
Let  us  diligently  put  in  practice  the  directions  for- 
merly given  for  cherishing  and  cultivating  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  love  of  Christ.  With  this  view  let  us 
labor  assiduously  to  increase  in  knowledge,  that 
ours  may  be  a  deeply  rooted  and  rational  affection. 
By  frequent  meditation  on  the  incidents  of  our  Sa- 
vior's life,  and  still  more  on  the  astonishing  circum- 
stances of  his  death ;  by  often  calling  to  mind  the 
state  from  which  he  proposes  to  rescue  us,  and  the 
glories  of  his  heavenly  kingdom ;  by  continual  in- 
tercourse with  him  of  prayer  and  praise,  of  depend- 
ence and  confidence  in  dangers,  of  hope  and  joy  in 
our  brighter  hours ;  let  us  endeavor  to  keep  him 
constantly  present  to  our  minds,  and  to  render  all 
our  conceptions  of  him  more  distinct,  lively,  and  in 
tclligent.  The  title  of  Christian  is  a  reproach  to  us, 
if  we  estrange  ourselves  from  Him  after  whom  we 
are  denominated.  The  name  of  Jesus  is  not  to  be 
to  us  like  the  Allah  of  the  Mohammedans,  a  talisman 
or  an  amulet  to  be  worn  on  the  arm,  as  an  external 
badge  merely,  and  symbol  of  our  profession,  and  to 
preserve  us  from  evil  by  some  mysterious  and  unin^ 
telligible  potency ;  but  it  is  to  be  engraven  deeply  on 
the  heart,  there  written  by  the  finger  of  God  himself 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  107 

in  everlasting  characters.  It  is  our  title  known  and 
understood  to  present  peace  and  future  glory.  The 
assurance  which  it  conveys  of  a  bright  reversion, 
will  lighten  the  burdens  and  alleviate  the  sorrows 
of  life;  and  in  some  happier  moments  it  will  impart 
to  us  somewhat  of  that  fullness  of  joy  which  is  at 
God's  right  hand,  enabling  us  to  join  even  here  in 
the  heavenly  hosanna,  "  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that 
was  slain,  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom, 
and  strength,  and  honor,  and  glory,  and  blessing." 
"  Blessing,  and  honor,  and  glory,  and  power,  be  unto 
him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb* 
^or  ever  and  ever."  Rev.  5  :  12,  13. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

ON  THE  PREVAILING  INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS 
CONCERNING  THE  NATURE  AND  THE  STRICT- 
NESS   OF    PRACTICAL    CHRISTIANITY. 


SECTION    1» 


One  part  of  this  title  may,  on  the  first  view,  excite 
surprise  in  any  who  may  have  drawn  a  hasty  in- 


108  tNADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    Of 

Terence  from  the  charges  conveyed  by  the  two  pre- 
ceding chapters.  Such  a  one  might  be  disposed  to 
expect,  that  those  who  have  very  low  conceptions 
of  the  corruption  of  human  nature,  would  be  pro* 
portionably  less  indulgent  to  human  frailty  •  and 
that  those  who  lay  little  stress  on  Christ's  satisfac- 
tion for  sin,  or  on  the  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
would  be  more  high  and  rigid  in  their  demands  of 
diligent  endeavors  after  universal  holiness ;  since 
their  scheme  implies  that  we  must  depend  chiefly 
on  our  own  exertions  and  performances  for  our  ac- 
ceptance with  God. 

But  any  such  expectations  as  these  would  be 
greatly  disappointed.  There  is  in  fact  a  region  of 
truth,  and  a  region  of  errors.  Those  who  hold  the 
fundamental  doctrines  of  Scripture  in  their  due 
force,  hold  also  in  its  due  degree  of  purity  the  practi- 
cal system  which  Scripture  inculcates.  But  those 
who  explain  away  the  former,  soften  down  the  latter 
also,  and  reduce  it  to  the  level  of  their  own  defective 
scheme.  It  is  not  from  any  confidence  in  the  supe- 
rior amount  of  their  own  performances,  or  in  the 
greater  vigor  of  their  own  exertions,  that  they  re- 
concile themselves  to  their  low  views  of  the  satisfac- 
tion of  Christ,  and  of  the  influence  of  the  Spirit ; 
but  i*  should  rather  seem  their  plan  so  to  depress 
'ihe  required  standard  of  practice,  that  no  man  need 
fall^short  of  it,  that  no  superior  aid  can  be  wanted 
for  enabling  us  to  attain  to  it    It  happens,  however, 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  109 

with  respect  to  tlieir  simple  method  of  morality,  as 
in  the  case  of  the  short  ways  to  knowledge,  of 
which  some  vain  pretenders  have  vaunted  them- 
selves to  be  possessed :  despising  the  beaten  track  in 
which  more  sober  and  humble  spirits  have  been 
content  to  tread,  they  have  struck  into  new  and  un- 
tried paths  ;  but  these  have  failed  of  conducting  them 
to  the  right  object,  and  have  issued  only  in  igno- 
rance and  conceit. 

It  seems  in  our  days  to  be  the  commonly  received 
opinion,  that  provided  a  man  admit  in  general  terms 
the  truth  of  Christianity,  though  he  know  not  or 
consider  not  much  concerning  the  particulars  of  the 
system  ;  and  if  he  be  not  habitually  guilty  of  any  of 
the  grosser  vices  against  his  fellow-creatures,  we 
have  no  great  reason  to  be  dissatisfied  with  him,  or 
to  question  the  validity  of  his  claim  to  the  name  and 
consequent  privileges  of  a  Christian.  The  title  im- 
plies no  more  than  a  sort  of  formal,  general  assent 
to  Christianity  in  the  gross,  and  a  degree  of  morality 
in  practice,  but  little,  if  at  all,  superior  to  that  for 
which  we  look  in  a  good  Deist,  Mussulman,  or 
Hindoo. 

If  any  one  be  disposed  to  deny  that  this  is  a  fair 
representation  of  the  religion  of  the  bulk  of  the 
Christian  world,  he  might  be  asked,  whether,  if  it 
were  proved  to  them  beyond  dispute  that  Christian- 
ity is  a  mere  forgery,  would  this  occasion  any  great 
change  in  their  conduct  or  habits  of  mind  ?  Would 
10 


110      INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OS 

any  alteration  be  made  in  consequence  of  this  dia- 
covery,  except  in  a  few  of  their  speculative  opinions, 
which,  when  distinct  from  practice,  it  is  a  part  of 
their  own  system,  as  has  been  before  remarked,  to 
think  of  little  consequence ;  and  in  their  attendance 
on  public  worship,  which,  however,  knowing  the 
good  effects  of  religion  upon  the  lower  orders  of  the 
people,  they  might  still  think  it  better  to  attend  oc- 
casionally for  example's  sake  ?  Would  not  their  re- 
gard for  their  character,  their  health,  their  domestic 
and  social  comforts,  still  continue  to  restrain  them 
from  vicious  excesses,  and  to  prompt  them  to  persist 
in  the  discharge,  according  to  their  present  measure, 
of  the  various  duties  of  their  stations'?  Would  they 
find  themselves  dispossessed  of  what  had  been  to 
them  hitherto  the  repository  of  counsel  and  instruc- 
tion, the  rule  of  their  conduct,  their  habitual  source 
of  peace,  and  hope,  and  consolation  ? 

It  were  needless  to  put  these  questions.  They  are 
answered  in  fact  already  by  the  lives  of  many  known 
unbelievers,  between  whom  and  these  professed 
Christians,  even  the  familiar  associates  of  both, 
though  men  of  discernment  and  observation,  would 
discover  little  difference  either  in  conduct  or  temper 
of  mind.  How  little  then  does  Christianity  deserve 
that  title  to  novelty  and  superiority  which  has  been 
almost  universally  admitted !  that  pre-eminence,  as 
a  practical  code,  over  all  other  systems  of  ethics  ! 
How  unmerited  are  the  praises  which  have  been 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  Ill 

lavished  upon  it  by  its  friends !  praises,  in  which 
even  its  enemies,  not  in  general  disposed  to  make 
concessions  in  its  favor,  have  so  often  been  unwarily 
draAvn  in  to  acquiesce  ! 

Was  it  then  for  this  that  the  Son  of  God  conde- 
scended to  become  our  Instructor  and  our  Pattern, 
leaving  us  an  example,  that  we  might  tread  in  his 
steps  ?  Was  it  for  this  that  the  apostles  of  Christ 
voluntarily  submitted  to  hunger  and  nakedness,  and 
pain,  and  ignominy  and  death,  when  forewarned  too 
by  their  Master  that  such  would  be  their  treatment  1 
That,  after  all,  their  disciples  should  attain  to  no 
higher  a  strain  of  virtue  than  those  who,  rejecting 
their  divine  authority,  should  still  adhere  to  the  old 
philosophy  ? 

But  it  may  perhaps  be  objected,  that  we  are  for- 
getting an  observation  which  we  ourselves  have 
made,  that  Christianity  has  raised  the  general  stand- 
ard of  morals :  to  which  therefore  infidelity  herself 
now  finds  it  prudent  to  conform,  availing  herself  of 
the  pure  morality  of  Christianity,  and  sometimes 
wishing  to  usurp  to  herself  the  credit  of  it,  while 
she  stigmatizes  the  authors  with  the  epithets  of  igno- 
rant dupes  or  designing  impostors ! 

But  let  it  then  be  asked,  are  the  motives  of  Chris- 
tianity so  little  necessary  to  the  practice  of  it,  its 
principles  to  its  conclusions,  that  the  one  may  be 
epared  and  y«t  the  other  remain  in  undiminished 
force  7  Still,  then,  its  doctrines  are  no  more  than  a 


112      INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

barren  and  inapplicable,  or  at  least  an  unnecessary- 
theory,  the  place  of  which,  it  may  perhaps  be  added, 
would  be  well  supplied  by  a  more  simple  and  less 
costly  scheme. 

But  can  it  be  ?  Is  Christianity  then  reduced  to  a 
mere  creed  ?  Is  its  practical  influence  bounded  with- 
in a  few  external  plausibilities  1  Does  its  essence 
consist  only  in  a  few  speculative  opinions,  and  a  few 
useless  and  unprofitable  tenets?  And  can  this  be 
the  ground  of  that  portentous  distinction,  which  is 
so  unequivocally  made  by  the  evangelist  between 
those  who  accept  and  those  Avho  reject  the  Gospel : 
"  He  that  believeth  on  the  Son  hath  everlasting  life, 
and  he  that  believeth  not  the  Son  shall  not  see  life ; 
but  the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on  him  ?"  This  were 
to  run  into  the  very  error  which  the  bulk  of  profess- 
ed Christians  would  be  most  forward  to  condemn, 
of  making  an  unproductive  faith  the  rule  of  God's 
future  judgment,  and  the  ground  of  an  eternal  sepa- 
ration. Thus  not  unlike  the  rival  circumnavigators 
from  Spain  and  Portugal,  who  setting  out  in  contra- 
ry directions,  found  themselves  in  company  at  the 
very  time  they  thought  themselves  farthest  from 
each  other ;  so  the  bulk  of  professed  Christians  ar- 
rive, though  by  a  different  course,  almost  at  the  very 
same  point,  and  occupy  nearly  the  same  station  as  a 
set  of  enthusiasts,  who  also  rest  upon  a  barren  faith, 
to  whom  on  the  first  view  they  might  be  thought  the 
most  nearly  opposite,  and  whose  tenets  they  with 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  113 

teason  profess  to  hold  in  peculiar  detestation.  By 
what  pernicious  courtesy  of  language  is  it,  that  this 
wretched  system  has  been  flattered  with  the  name 
of  Christianity  ? 

The  morality  of  the  Gospel  is  not  so  slight  a  fa- 
bric. Christianity  throughout  exhibits  proofs  of  its 
Divine  original,  and  its  practical  precepts  are  no 
less  pure  than  its  doctrines  are  sublime.  Can  lan- 
guage furnish  injunctions  stricter  in  their  measure, 
or  larger  in  their  comprehension,  than  those  with 
which  the  word  of  God  abounds  ?  "  Whatsoever  ye 
do  in  word  or  deed,  do  all  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  " — "Be  ye  holy,  for  God  is  holy" — ''Be  ye  per- 
fect, as  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven  is  perfect?" 
We  are  commanded  to  ;?e?/£;c/  holiness,  to  go  on  un- 
to perfectio?i. 

Such  are  the  Scripture  admonitions ;  and  surely  we 
may  not  safely  acquiesce  in  low  attainments  :  a  con- 
clusion to  which  also  we  are  led  by  the  force  of  the 
expressions  by  which  Christians  are  characterized 
in  Scripture,  and  by  the  thorough  change  represent- 
ed as  taking  place  in  any  man  on  his  becoming  a 
real  Christian.  "  Every  one,"  it  is  said,  "  that  hath 
this  hope,  purifieth  himself  even  as  God  is  pure :" 
true  Christians  are  said  to  be  "partakers  of  the  Di- 
vine nature;"  "to  be  created  anew  in  the  image  of 
God ;"  "  to  be  temples  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  The 
effects  of  which  must  appear  "in  all  goodness  an4 
righteousness  and  truth." 

10* 


114  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

Great  as  was  the  progress  which  the  apostle  Paul 
had  made  in  all  virtue,  he  declares  of  himself  that 
he  still  presses  forward,  "  forgetting  the  things  which 
are  behind,  and  reaching  forth  unto  the  things  which 
are  before."  He  prays  for  his  beloved  disciples, 
"  that  they  may  be  tilled  with  all  the  fullness  of 
God ;"  "  that  they  may  be  filled  with  the  fruits  of 
righteousness  ;"  "  that  they  might  walk  worthy  oi 
the  Lord  umo  all  pleasing,  being  fruitful  in  every 
good  work."  Nor  is  it  a  less  full  and  comprehen- 
sive petition,  which,  from  our  blessed  Savior's  insert- 
ing it  in  the  prayer  he  has  given  as  a  model  for  out 
imitation,  we  may  infer  ought  to  be  the  habitual 
sentiment  of  our  hearts ;  "  Thy  will  be  done  on 
earth  as  it  is  in  heaven." 

These  few  extracts  from  the  word  of. God  abun- 
dantly vindicate  the  strictness  of  the  christian  moral- 
ity ;  but  this  point  will  be  still  more  fully  established 
when  we  proceed  to  investigate  the  nature,  essence, 
and  governing  principles  of  the  christian  character. 

It  is  the  grand,  essential,  practical  characteristic 
of  true  Christians,  that,  relying  on  the  promises 
to  repenting  sinners,  of  acceptance  through  the  Re- 
deemer, they  have  renounced  and  abjured  all  other 
masters,  and  have  cordially  and  unreservedly  de- 
voted themselves  to  God.  Christians  have  become 
the  sworn  enemies  of  sin ;  they  will  allow  it  in  no 
shape,  they  will  admit  it  to  no  composition  ;  the  war 
they  have  denounced  against  it  is  universal,  irre- 
concilable. 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  115 

But  this  is  not  all :  it  is  now  their  determined 
purpose  to  yield  themselves  without  reserve  to  the 
reasonable  service  of  their  rightful  Sovereign.    They 
are  not  their  own  :  their  bodily  and  mental  facul- 
ties, their  natural  and  acquired  endowments,  their 
substance,  their  authority,  their  time,  their  influence  ; 
all  these  they  consider  as  belonging  to  them,  not  for 
their  own  gratification,  but  as  so  many  instruments 
to  be  consecrated  to  the  honor  and  employed  in  the 
service  of  God.     This  must  be  the  master  principle 
to  which  every  other  must  be  subordinate.     What- 
ever may  have  been  hitherto  their  ruling  passion, 
whatever  hitherto  their  leading  pursuit,  whether  sen- 
sual, or  intellectual,  of  science,  of  taste,  of  fancy,  or 
of   feeling,  it   must  now  possess  but  a  secondary 
place ;  or  rather,  to  speak  more  correctly,  it  must 
exist  only  at  the  pleasure,  and  be  put  altogether  un- 
der the  control  and  direction  of  its  true  and  legiti- 
mate superior. 

Thus  it  is  the  prerogative  of  Christianity  "  to 
bring  into  captivity  every  thought  to  the  obedience 
of  Christ."  They  who  really  feel  its  power,  are  re- 
solved, in  the  language  of  Scripture,  "  to  live  no 
longer  to  themselves,  but  to  him  that  died  for  them  :'* 
♦Jiey  know  indeed  their  own  infirmities  ;  they  know 
that  the  way  on  which  they  have  entered  is  strait 
and  difficult,  but  they  know  too  the  encouraging  as- 
surance, "  They  that  wait  on  the  Lord  shall  renew 
their  strength ;"  and,  relying  on  this  animating  de- 


116      INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

claration,  they  deliberately  purpose  that  the  govern- 
ing maxim  of  their  future  lives  shall  be,  "  to  do  all 
to  the  glory  of  God." 

Behold  here  the  principle,  which  contains  within 
it  the  rudiments  of  all  true  virtue ;  which,  striking 
deep  its  roots,  though  feeble  perhaps  and  lowly  in 
its  beginnings,  silently  progressive  and  almost  insen- 
sibly maturing,  yet  will  shortly,  even  in  the  bleak 
and  churlish  temperature  of  this  world,  lift  up  its 
head  and  spread  abroad  its  branches,  bearing  abun- 
dant fruits,  precious  fruits  of  refreshment  and  consola- 
tion, of  which  the  boasted  products  of  philosophy 
are  but  sickly  imitations,  void  of  fragrance  and  of 
flavor.    But, 

Igneus  est  ollis  vigor  et  coelestis  origo. 

At  length  it  will  be  transplanted  into  its  native  re- 
gion, and  enjoy  a  more  genial  climate  and  a  kind- 
lier soil;  and,  bursting  forth  into  full  luxuriance,, 
with  unfading  beauty  and  unexhausted  odors,  shall 
flourish  for  ever  in  the  paradise  of  God. 

While  the  servants  of  Christ  continue  in  this  life, 
glorious  as  is  the  issue  of  their  labors,  they  receive 
many  humiliating  memorials  of  their  remaining  im- 
perfections, and  daily  find  reason  to  confess  that 
they  cannot  do  the  things  that  they  would.  Their 
determination,  however,  is  still  unshaken,  and  it  is 
the  fixed  desire  of  their  hearts  to  improve  in  all 
holiness ;  and  this,  let  it  be  observed,  on  many  ac 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  117 

counts.  They  are  urged  on  by  the  dread  of  failure ; 
they  trust  not,  where  their  all  is  at  stake,  to  lively 
emotions,  or  to  internal  impressions  ;  the  example  of 
Christ  is  their  pattern,  the  word  of  God  is  their  rule ; 
there  they  read,  that  "  without  holiness  no  man  shall 
see  the  Lord."  It  is  the  description  of  real  Christians, 
that  they  are  gradually  "  changed  into  the  image 
of  their  Divine  Master;"  and  they  dare  not  allow 
themselves  to  believe  their  title  sure,  except  so  far 
as  they  can  discern  in  themselves  the  growing 
traces  of  this  blessed  resemblance. 

It  is  not  merely  however  the  fear  of  misery,  and 
the  desire  of  happiness,  by  which  they  are  actuated 
in  their  endeavors  to  excel  in  all  holiness;  they 
love  it  for  its  own  sake  :  nor  is  it  solely  by  the  sense 
of  self-interest  (this,  though  often  unreasonably  con- 
demned, is  but  a  principle  of  an  inferior  order)  that 
they  are  influenced  in  their  determination  to  obey 
the  will,  and  to  cultivate  the  favor  of  God.  This 
determination  has  its  foundations  indeed  in  a  deep 
and  humiliating  sense  of  his  exalted  majesty  and  in- 
finite power,  and  of  their  outi  extreme  inferiority 
and  littleness,  attended  with  a  settled  conviction  of 
its  being  their  duty  as  his  creatures,  to  submit  in  all 
things  to  the  will  of  their  great  Creator.  But  these 
awful  impressions  are  relieved  and  ennobled  by  an 
admiring  sense  of  the  infinite  perfections  and  in- 
finite amiableness  of  the  Divine  character ;  animated 
by  a  confiding  though  humble  hope  of  his  fatherly 


118  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OP 

kindness  and  protection,  and  quickened  by  the  grate- 
ful recollection  of  immense  and  continually  increas- 
ing obligations.  This  is  the  Christian  love  of  God  I 
A  love  compounded  of  admiration,  of  preference,  of 
hope,  of  trust,  of  joy ;  chastised  by  reverential  awe, 
and  wakeful  with  continual  gratitude. 

The  elementary  principles  which  have  been  above 
enumerated,  however,  exist  in  various  degrees  and 
proportions.  A  difference  in  natural  disposition,  in 
the  circumstances  of  the  past  life,  and  in  number- 
less other  particulars,  may  occasion  a  great  difference 
in  the  predominant  tempers  of  different  Christians. 
In  one  the  love,  in  another  the  fear  of  God  may 
have  the  ascendancy ;  trust  in  one,  and  in  another 
gratitude ;  but  in  greater  or  less  degrees,  a  cordial 
complacency  in  the  sovereignty,  an  exalted  sense  of 
the  perfections,  a  grateful  impression  of  the  good- 
ness, and  a  humble  hope  of  the  favor  of  the  Divine 
Being,  are  common  to  them  all.  Common — the 
determination  to  devote  themselves  without  excep- 
tions, to  the  service  and  glory  of  God.  Common 
— the  desire  of  holiness  and  of  continual  progress 
towards  perfection.  Common — an  abasing  con- 
sciousness of  their  own  unworthiness,  and  of  their 
many  remaining  infirmities,  which  interpose  so 
often  to  corrupt  the  simplicity  of  their  intentions,  to 
thwart  the  execution  of  their  purer  purposes,  and 
frustrate  the  resolutions  of  their  better  hours. 

But  some  perhaps,  who  will  not  directly  and  in 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  119 

the  gross  oppose  the  conclusions  for  which  we  have 
been  contendin.g-,  may  endeavor  to  elude  them.  It 
may  be  urged,  that  to  represent  them  as  of  general 
application,  is  going  much  too  far ;  and  however 
true  in  the  <:ase  of  some  individuals  of  a  higher  or- 
der, it  may  be  asserted  they  are  not  applicable  to 
ordinary  Christians ;  from  these  so  much  will  not 
surely  be  expected ;  and  here  perhaps  there  may  be 
a  secret  reference  to  that  supposed  mitigation  of  the 
requisitions  of  the  Divine  law  under  the  Christian 
dispensation,  which  was  formerly  noticed.  This  is 
so  important  a  point  that  it  ought  not  to  be  passed 
over :  let  us  call  in  the  authority  of  Scripture  ;  at  the 
same  time  only  a  few  passages  shall  be  cited,  and 
we  refer  to  the  word  of  God  itself  for  those  who 
wish  for  fuller  satisfaction.  The  difficulty  here  is 
not  to  find  proofs,  but  to  select  with  discretion  from 
the  mukitude  which  pour  in  upon  us. 

In  the  first  place,  the  precepts  are  expressed  in 
the  broadest  and  most  general  terms  ;  no  persons  are 
at  liberty  to  conceive  themselves  exempted  from  the 
obligation  of  them ;  and  in  any  disposed  to  urge 
such  a  plea  of  exemption,  it  may  well  excite  the 
most  serious  apprehension  to  consider  how  the 
plea  would  be  received  by  an  earthly  tribunal. 
No  weak  argument  this  to  any  who  are  acquainted 
with  the  Scriptures,  and  who  know  how  often  God 
is  there  represented  as  reasoning  with  mankind  on 
the  principles  which  they  have  established  for  their 
dealing-s  with  each  other. 


120  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

In  the  next  place,  the  precepts  in  question  contain 
within  themselves  abundant  proofs  of  their  universal 
application,  inasmuch  as  they  are  grounded  on  cir- 
cumstances and  relations  common  to  all  Christians, 
and  of  the  benefits  of  which,  even  our  objectors 
themselves,  though  they  would  evade  the  practical 
deductions  from  them,  would  not  be  willing  to  re- 
linquish their  share.  Christians  "are  not  their 
own,"  because  "  they  are  bought  with  a  price;"  they 
are  not  "  to  live  unto  themselves,  but  to  Him  that 
died  for  them ;  they  are  commanded  to  do  the  most 
difficult  duties,  "  that  they  may  be  the  children  of 
their  Father  which  is  in  heaven;"  and  "except  a 
man  be  born  again  of  the  Spirit"  (thus  again  be- 
coming one  of  the  sons  of  God)  "  he  cannot  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  It  is  "  because  they 
are  sons,"  that  God  has  given  them  what  in  Scrip- 
ture language  is  styled  "the  spirit  of  adoption."  It 
is  only  of  ''  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God  " 
that  it  is  declared  "  they  are  the  sons  of  God  ;"  and 
we  are  expressly  warned,  as  it  were  to  prevent  anj'' 
such  loose  profession  of  Christianity  as  that  which 
we  are  here  combating,  "  If  any  man  have  not  the 
Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his."  In  short,  Chris- 
tians in  general  are  every  where  denominated  the 
servants  and  the  children  of  God,  and  are  required  to 
serve  him  with  that  submissive  obedience,  and  that 
affectionate  promptitude  of  duty,  which  belong  to 
ihose  endearin?  relations. 


THE    NATL'HE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  121 

Estimate  next  the  force  of  that  well  known  pas- 
sage— "  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all 
thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  mind,  and  with  all  thy 
soul,  and  with  all  thy  strength."  The  injunction  is 
multiplied  on  us,  to  silence  the  sophistry  of  the  ca- 
viller, and  to  fix  the  most  inconsiderate  mind.  And 
surely  if  the  words  have  any  meaning  at  all,  the  least 
which  can  be  intended  by  them  is  that  settled,  pre- 
dominant esteem,  and  cordial  preference,  for  which 
we  are  now  contending.  The  conclusion  which  this 
passage  forces  on  us,  is  strikingly  confirmed  by 
other  parts  of  Scripture,  wherein  the  love  of  God  is 
positively  commended  to  the  whole  of  a  Christian 
church;  2  Cor.  13  :  14;  or  wherein  the  want  of  it, 
(1  John,  3:  17,  Rom.  16:  18.  compared  with  Phil. 
3  :  19,)  or  wherein  its  not  being  the  chief  and  ruling 
affection,  is  charged  on  persons  professing  them- 
selves Christians,  as  being  sufficient  to  disprove 
their  claim  to  that  appellation,  or  as  being  equivalent 
to  denying  it;  2  Tim.  3  :  4.  Let  not,  therefore,  any 
deceive  themselves  by  imagining  that  only  an  abso- 
lute unqualified  renunciation  of  the  desire  of  the  fa- 
vor of  God  is  here  condemned.  God  will  not  accept 
of  a  divided  affection  ;  a  single  heart  and  a  single 
eye  are  in  express  terms  declared  to  be  indispensa- 
bly required  of  us.  We  are  ordered,  under  the  figure 
of  amassing  heavenly  treasure,  to  make  the  favor 
and  service  of  God  our  chief  pursuit,  for  this  very 
reason,  because  "  where  our  treasure  is,  there  will 
U 


122  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

our  hearts  be  also."  It  is  on  this  principle  that,  in 
speaking-  of  particular  vices,  such  phrases  are  often 
used  in  Scripture  as  suggest  that  their  criminality 
mainly  consists  in  drawing  away  the  heart  from 
Him  who  is  the  just  object  of  its  preference ;  and 
sins  which  we  might  think  very  different  in  crimi- 
nality, are  classed  together,  because  they  all  agree 
in  this  grand  character.  Nor  is  this  preference  as- 
serted only  over  affections  vicious  in  themselves,  and 
to  which  therefore  Christianity  might  well  be  sup- 
posed hostile  ;  but  over  those  also  which  in  their 
just  measure  are  not  only  lawful,  but  even  most 
strongly  enjoined  on  us.  "  He  that  loveth  father  and 
mother  more  than  me,"  says  our  blessed  Savior, 
''  is  not  worthy  of  me ;  and  he  that  loveth  son  or 
daughter  more  than  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me."  Matt. 
10  :  37.  The  spirit  of  these  injunctions  harmonizes 
with  many  commendations  in  Scripture  of  zeal  for 
the  honor  of  God,  as  well  as  with  that  strong  ex- 
pression of  disgust  and  abhorrence  with  which  the 
lukewarm,  (those  neither  cold  nor  hot,)  are  spoken  of 
as  being  more  loathsome  and  offensive  than  even 
open  and  avowed  enemies. 

Another  class  of  instances  tending  to  the  same 
point,  is  furnished  by  those  many  passages  of  Scrip- 
ture, wherein  promoting  of  the  glory  of  God  is  com- 
manded as  our  supreme  and  universal  aim,  and 
wherein  the  honor  due  unto  him  is  declared  to  be 
tlint  in  which  he  will  allow  no  competitor  to  partici- 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITT.  123 

pate.  On  this  head  indeed  the  holy  Scriptures  are, 
if  possible,  more  peremptory  than  on  the  former ; 
and  at  the  same  time  so  full  as  to  render  particular 
citations  unnecessary  in  the  case  of  any  one  who 
has  ever  so  little  acquaintance  with  the  word  of  God. 
To  pat  the  same  thing  therefore  in  another  light. 
All  who  have  read  the  Scriptures  must  confess  that 
idolatry  is  the  crime  against  which  God's  highest 
resentment  is  expressed,  and  his  severest  punish- 
ment denounced.  But  let  us  not  deceive  ourselves. 
It  is  not  in  bowing  the  knee  to  idols  that  idolatry 
consists,  so  much  as  in  the  internal  homage  of  the 
heart ;  as  in  feeling  towards  them  any  of  that  su- 
preme love,  reverence,  or  gratitude,  which  God  re- 
serves to  himself  as  his  own  exclusive  prerogative. 
On  the  same  principle,  whatever  else  draws  off  the 
heart  from  him  engrosses  our  prime  regard,  and 
holds  the  chief  place  in  our  esteem  and  affections, 
that,  in  the  estimation  of  reason,  is  no  less  an  idol  to 
us  than  an  image  of  wood  or  stone  would  be,  before 
which  we  should  fall  down  and  worship.  This  is 
the  language  and  argument  of  inspiration.  The  ser- 
vant of  God  is  commanded  not  to  set  up  his  ido4  in 
his  heart;  and  sensuality  and  covetousness  are  re- 
peatedly termed  idolatry.  The  same  God  who  de- 
clares— "  My  glory  will  I  not  give  to  another,  nei- 
ther my  praise  to  graven  images,"  declares  also — 
*'  Let  not  the  wise  man  glory  in  his  wisdom,  neither 
let  the  mighty  man  glory  in  his  might ;  let  not  the 


124  TKADEQTTATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

rich  man  glory  in  his  riches."  Jer.  9 :  23.  "  No 
flesh  may  glory  in  his  presence ;"  "  he  that  glorieth, 
let  him  glory  in  the  Lord."  The  sudden  vengeance 
by  which  the  vain-glorious  ostentation  of  Herod  was 
punished,  when,  acquiescing  in  the  servile  adulation 
of  an  admiring  multitude,  "  he  gave  not  God  the 
glory,"  is  a  dreadful  comment  on  these  injunctions. 

These  awful  declarations,  it  is  to  be  feared,  are 
little  regarded.  Let  the  great,  and  the  wise,  and  the 
learned,  and  the  successful,  lay  them  seriously  to 
heart,  and  labor  habitually  to  consider  their  supe- 
riority, whether  derived  from  nature,  or  study,  oi 
fortune,  as  the  unmerited  bounty  of  God.  This  re- 
flection will  naturally  tend  to  produce  a  disposition, 
instead  of  that  proud  self-complacency  so  apt  to  grow 
upon  the  human  heart,  in  all  respects  opposite  to  it ; 
a  disposition  honorable  to  God  and  useful  to  man ; 
a  temper  composed  of  reverence,  humility,  and  grati- 
tude, and  delighting  to  be  engaged  in  the  praises, 
and  employed  in  the  benevolent  service  of  the  uni- 
versal Benefactor. 

It  only  remains  to  be  remarked,  that  here,  as  in 
the  former  instances,  the  characters  of  the  righteous 
and  of  the  wicked,  as  delineated  in  Scripture,  exactly 
correspond  with  the  representations  which  have  been 
given  of  the  Scripture  injunctions. 

The  necessity  of  this  cordial  unreserved  devoted- 
ness  to  the  glory  and  service  of  God,  as  indispen- 
sable to  the  character  of  the  true  Christian,  has  been 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  125 

insisted  on  at  tlie  greater  length,  not  only  on  ac- 
count of  its  own  extreme  importance,  but  also  be- 
cause it  appears  a  duty  too  generally  overlooked. 
Once  well  established,  it  will  serve  as  a  fundamental 
principle  both  for  the  government  of  the  heart  and 
regulation  of  the  conduct ;  and  will  prove  eminently 
useful  in  the  decision  of  many  practical  cases  which 
it  might  be  difficult  to  bring  under  the  undisputed 
operation  of  any  subordinate  or  appropriate  rule. 


SECTION    II. 

Having  endeavored  to  establish  the  strictness, 
and  to  ascertain  the  essential  character  of  true  prac- 
tical Christianity,  let  us  investigate  more  in  detail 
the  practical  system  of  the  bulk  of  professed  Chris- 
tians among  ourselves.* 

It  was  formerly  remarked,  that  the  whole  subject 
of  religion  was  often  viewed  from  such  a  distance 
as  to  be  seen  only  in  the  gross.  We  now,  it  is  to 
be  feared,  shall  find  too  much  cause  for  believing 
that  those  who  approach  nearer,  and  do  discover  in 

♦  It  will  be  remembered  by  the  reader,  that  it  is  not  the 
object  of  this  work  to  animadvert  on  the  vices,  defects,  and 
erroneous  opinions  of  the  times,  except  as  they  are  received 
iri-.o  the  prevailing  religious  system,  or  are  tolerated  by  it, 
and  are  not  thought  sufRcient  to  prevent  a  man  from  being 
esteemed,  on  the  whole,  a  very  tolerable  Christian. 
11^ 


126  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

Christianity  somewhat  of  a  distinct  form,  yet  come 
not  close  enough  to  discern  her  peculiar  conforma- 
tion. 

A  very  erroneous  notion  prevails  concerning  the 
true  nature  of  religion.  Religion,  agreeably  to 
vv^hat  has  been  already  stated,  may  be  considered  as 
the  implantation  of  a  vigorous  and  active  principle  ; 
it  is  seated  in  the  heart,  where  its  authority  is  recog- 
nized as  supreme,  whence  by  degrees  it  expels 
whatever  is  opposed  to  it,  and  where  it  gradually 
brings  all  the  affections  and  desires  under  its  com- 
plete control. 

But  though  the  heart  be  its  special  residence,  eve- 
ry endeavor  and  pursuit  must  acknow^ledge  its  pre- 
sence ;  and  whatever  does  not,  or  will  not,  or  cannot 
receive  its  sacred  stamp,  is  to  be  condemned,  and  is 
to  be  at  once  abstained  from  or  abandoned.  It  is 
like  the  principle  of  vitality,  which  communicates  its 
influence  to  the  smallest  and  remotest  fibers  of  the 
frame.  But  the  notion  of  religion  entertained  by 
many  among  us  seems  altogether  different.  They 
begin,  indeed,  in  submission  to  her  clear  prohibitions, 
by  fencing  off  from  the  field  of  human  action  a  cer- 
tain district,  which,  though  it  in  many  parts  bear 
fruits  on  which  they  cast  a  longing  eye,  they  cannot 
but  confess  to  be  forbidden  ground.  They  next  as- 
sign to  religion  a  portion  according  to  their  circum- 
stances and  views,  in  which  however  she  is  to  pos- 
sess merely  a  qualified  jurisdiction,  and  having  so 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  127 

done,  they  conceive  that  without  hinderance  they  have 
a  right  to  range  at  will  over  the  spacious  remainder. 
Religion  can  claim  only  a  stated  proportion  of  their 
thoughts,  and  time,  and  fortune,  and  influence ;  the 
rest  they  think  is  now  their  own,  to  do  what  they 
will  with ;  they  have  paid  their  tithes — say  rather, 
their  composition ;  the  demands  of  the  Church  are 
satisfied,  and  they  may  surely  be  permitted  to  enjoy 
what  she  has  left  without  molestation  or  interference. 

It  is  scarcely  possible  to  state  too  strongly  the 
mischief  which  results  from  this  fundamental  error. 
At  the  same  time  its  consequences  are  so  natural 
and  obvious,  that  one  would  think  it  scarcely  possi- 
ble not  to  foresee  that  they  must  infallibly  follow. 
The  greatest  part  of  human  actions  is  considered  as 
indifferent.  If  men  are  not  chargeable  with  gross 
vices,  and  are  decent  in  the  discharge  of  their  reli- 
gious duties  ;  if  they  do  not  stray  into  the  forbidden 
ground,  what  more  can  be  expected  from  them  ?  In- 
stead of  keeping  at  a  distance  from  all  sin,  in  which 
alone  consists  our  safety,  they  will  be  apt  not  to  care 
how  near  they  approach  what  they  conceive  to  be 
the  boundary  line  ;  if  they  have  not  actually  passed 
it,  there  is  no  harm  done,  it  is  no  trespass.  Thus 
the  free  and  active  spirit  of  religion  is  checked.  She 
must  keep  to  her  prescribed  confines,  and  every  at- 
tempt to  extend  them  will  be  resisted. 

This  is  not  all.  Since  whatever  can  be  gained 
from  her  allotment,  or  whatever  can  be  taken  in 


128  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

from  the  forbidden  ground,  will  be  so  much  of  addition 
to  that  land  where  men  may  roam  at  large,  free 
from  restraint  or  molestation,  they  will  of  course  be 
constantly  pressing  upon  the  limits  of  the  religious 
allotment  on  the  one  hand,  and  on  the  other  will 
be  removing  back  a  little  farther  and  farther  the 
fence  which  abridges  them  on  the  side  of  the  for- 
bidden ground.  The  space  she  occupies  diminishes 
till  it  is  scarcely  discernible ;  whilst,  her  spirit  ex- 
tinguished and  her  force  destroyed,  she  is  little  more 
than  the  nominal  possessor  even  of  the  contracted 
limits  to  which  she  has  been  avowedly  reduced. 

This  is  but  too  faithful  a  representation  of  the  gen- 
eral state  of  things  among  ourselves.  The  promo- 
tion of  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  possession  of  his. 
favor,  are  no  longer  recognized  as  the  objects  of  our 
highest  regard,  and  most  strenuous  endeavors ;  as 
furnishing  to  us  a  vigorous,  habitual,  and  univer- 
sal principle  of  action.  We  set  up  for  ourselves: 
we  are  become  our  own  masters.  The  sense  of 
continual  service  is  irksome  and  galling  to  us ;  and 
we  rejoice  in  being  emancipated  from  it.  Thus  the 
very  tenure  and  condition  by  which  life  and  all  its 
possessions  are  held,  undergo  a  total  change.  What- 
ever we  have  is  regarded  rather  as  a  property  than 
as  a  trust ;  or  if  there  still  exists  the  remembrance  of 
some  paramount  claim,  we  are  satisfied  with  an 
occasional  acknowledgment,  as  of  a  nominal  riglit. 

Hence  it  is  that  so  little  sense  of  responsibility 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  129 

seems  attached  to  the  possession  of  high  rank,  or 
splendid  abilities,  or  affluent  fortunes,  or  other  means 
or  instruments  of  usefulness.  The  instructive  admo- 
nitions, "  Give  an  account  of  thy  stewardship" — 
"  Occupy  till  I  come,"  are  forgotten.  Or  if  it  be  ac- 
knowledged by  some  men  of  larger  views  than  ordi- 
nary, that  reference  is  to  be  had  to  some  principle 
superior  to  that  of  our  own  gratification,  it  is,  at  best, 
to  the  good  of  society,  or  to  the  welfare  of  our  fami- 
lies: and  even  then  the  obligations  resulting  from. 
these  relations  are  seldom  enforced  on  us  by  any 
higher  sanctions  than  those  of  family  comfort,  and  of 
worldly  interest  or  estimation.  Beside,  what  multi- 
tudes of  persons  are  there,  people  without  families, 
in  private  stations,  or  of  a  retired  turn,  to  Vv-hom  they 
are  scarcely  held  to  apply!  and  what  multitudes  of 
cases  to  which  it  would  be  thought  unnecessary 
scrupulosity  to  extend  them !  Accordingly  we  find, 
in  fact,  that  the  generality  of  mankind  among  the 
higher  order,  in  the  formation  of  their  schemes,  in 
the  selection  of  their  studies,  in  the  choice  of  their 
place  of  residence,  in  the  employment  and  distribu- 
tion of  their  time,  in  their  thoughts,  conversation  and 
amusements,  are  considered  as  being  at  liberty,  if 
there  be  no  actual  vice,  to  consult  their  own  grati- 
fication. 

Thus  the  generous  and  wakeful  spirit  of  Christian 
benevolence,  seeking  and  finding  every  where  occa- 
sions for  its  exercise,  is  exploded,  and  a  system  ofde- 


130       INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

cent  selfishness  is  avowedly  established  in  its  stead ; 
a  system  scarcely  more  to  be  abjured  for  its  impiety, 
than  to  be  abhorred  for  its  cold  insensibility  to  the 
opportunities  of  diffusing  happiness.  "  Have  we  no 
families,  or  are  they  provided  for  1  Are  we  wealthy, 
and  bred  to  no  profession  ?  Are  we  young  and  live- 
ly, and  in  the  gayety  and  vigor  of  youth?  Surely  w^e 
may  be  allowed  to  take  our  pleasure.  We  neglect 
no  duty,  we  live  in  no  vice,  we  do  nobody  any  harm, 
and  have  a  right  to  amuse  ourselves.  We  have  no- 
thing better  to  do  ;  we  wish  we  had ;  our  time  hangs 
heavy  on  our  hands  for  want  of  it." 

But  no  man  has  a  right  to  be  idle.  Not  to  speak 
of  that  great  work  which  we  all  have  to  accomplish, 
and  surely  the  whole  attention  of  a  short  and  precari- 
ous life  is  not  more  than  an  eternal  interest  may  well 
require ;  where  is  it  that,  in  such  a  world  as  this, 
health,  and  leisure,  and  affluence  may  not  find  some 
ignorance  to  instruct,  some  wrong  to  redress,  some 
want  to  supply,  some  misery  to  alleviate?  Shall  am- 
bition and  avarice  never  sleep  ?  Shall  they  never 
want  objects  on  which  to  fasten  ?  Shall  they  be  so 
observant  to  discover,  so  acute  to  discern,  so  eager, 
so  patient  to  pursue,  and  shall  the  benevolence  of 
Christians  want  employment? 

Yet  thus  life  rolls  away  with  too  many  of  us,  in  a 
course  of  "  shapeless  idleness."  Its  recreations  con- 
stitute its  chief  businsss.  Watering-places,  the  sports 
of  the  field,  cards  !  never-failing  cards  !  the  assem- 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  131 

biy,  the  theatre,  all  contribute  their  aid  ;  amusements 
are  multiplied,  and  combined,  and  varied,  "  to  fill  up 
the  void  of  a  listless  and  languid  life ;"  and  by  the 
regulated  use  of  these  different  resources,  there  is 
often  a  kind  of  sober  settled  plan  of  domestic  dissipa- 
tion, in  which,  with  all  imaginable  decency,  year 
after  year  wears  away  in  unprofitable  vacancy. 
Even  old  age  often  finds  us  pacing  in  the  samo 
round  of  amusements  which  our  early  youth  had 
tracked  out.  Meanwhile,  beins:  conscious  that  we 
are  not  giving  in  to  any  flagrant  vice,  and  it  may  be, 
that  we  are  not  neglecting  the  offices  of  religion,  we 
persuade  ourselves  that  we  need  not  be  uneasy.  In 
the  main,  we  do  not  fall  below  the  general  standard 
of  morals  of  the  class  and  station  to  which  we 
belong;  we  may  therefore  allow  ourselves  to  glide 
down  the  stream  without  apprehension  of  the  con- 
sequences. 

Some,  of  a  character  often  hardly  to  be  distin- 
guished from  the  class  we  have  been  just  describing, 
take  up  with  sensual  pleasures.  The  chief  happi- 
ness of  their  lives  consists  in  one  species  or  another 
of  animal  gratification;  and  these  persons  perhaps 
will  be  found  to  compose  a  large  proportion.  It  be- 
longs not  to  our  purpose  to  speak  of  the  grossly  and 
scandalously  profligate,  who  renounce  all  pretensions 
to  the  name  of  Christians;  but  of  those  who,  main- 
taining a  certain  decency  of  character,  and  perhaps 
being  tolerably  observant  of  the  forms  of  religion, 


132  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

may  yet  be  not  improperly  termed  sober  sensualists. 
These,  though  less  impetuous  and  more  measured, 
are  not  less  stanch  and  steady  than  the  professed 
votaries  of  licentious  pleasure,  in  the  pursuit  of  their 
favorite  objects.  "  Mortify  the  flesh,  with  its  affections 
and  lusts,"  is  the  Christian  'precept ;  but  a  soft  lux- 
urious course  of  habitual  indulgence  is  the  practice 
of  the  bulk  of  modern  Christians  :  and  that  constant 
moderation,  that  wholesome  discipline  of  restraint 
and  self-denial,  which  are  requisite  to  prevent  the 
unperccived  encroachments  of  the  inferior  appetites, 
seem  altogether  as  disused  as  the  exploded  austeri- 
ties of  monkish  superstition. 

Christianity  calls  her  professors  to  a  state  of  dili- 
gent watchfulness  and  active  services.  But  the  per- 
sons of  whom  we  are  now  speaking,  forgetting  alike 
the  duties  they  owe  to  themselves  and  to  their  fellow- 
creatures,  often  act  as' though  their  condition  were 
meant  to  be  a  state  of  uniform  indulgence,  and  vacant, 
unprofitable  sloth.  To  multiply  the  comforts  of  afHu- 
ence,  to  provide  for  the  gratification  of  appetite,  to  be 
luxurious  without  diseases,  and  indolent  without 
lassitude,  seems  the  chief  study  of  their  lives.  Nor 
can  they  be  clearly  exempted  from  this  class,  who,  by 
a  common  error,  substituting  the  means  for  the  end, 
make  the  preservation  of  health  and  spirits,  not  as 
instruments  of  usefulness,  but  as  sources  of  pleasure, 
their  great  business  and  continual  care. 

Others  aj^ain  seem  more  to  attach  themselves  to 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  133 

what  have  been  well  termed  the  "  pomps  and  vani- 
ties of  this  world."  Magnificent  houses,  grand  equi- 
pages, numerous  retinues,  splendid  entertainments, 
high  and  fashionable  connexions,  appear  to  consti- 
tute, in  their  estimation,  the  supreme  happiness  of 
life.  This  class,  too,  if  we  mistake  not,  will  be  found 
numerous  in  our  days;  for  it  must  be  considered 
that  it  is  the  heart,  set  on  these  things,  which  consti- 
tutes the  essential  character.  Persons  to  whose  rank 
and  station  these  indulgences  most  properly  belong, 
often  are  the  most  indifferent  to  them.  Undue  soli- 
citude about  them  is  more  visible  in  persons  of  in- 
ferior conditions  and  smaller  fortunes,  in  whom  it  is 
detected  by  the  studious  contrivances  of  a  misapplied 
ingenuity  to  reconcile  parade  with  economy,  and  to 
glitter  at  a  cheap  rate.  But  this  temper  of  display 
and  competition  is  a  direct  contrast  to  the  lowly, 
modest,  unassuming  carriage  of  the  true  Christian : 
and  wherever  there  is  an  evident  effort  and  struggle 
to  excel  in  the  particulars  here  in  question,  a  mani- 
fest wish  thus  to  rival  superiors,  to  outstrip  equals,  to 
dazzle  inferiors ;  it  is  manifest  the  great  end  of  life, 
and  of  all  its  possessions,  is  too  little  kept  in  view, 
and  it  is  to  be  feared  that  the  gratification  of  a  vain 
ostentatious  humor  is  the  predominant  disposition  of 
the  heart. 

As  there  is  a  sober  sensuality,  so  is  there  also  a 
sober  avarice,  and  a  sober  ambition.    The  commer- 
cial and  the  professional  world  compose  the  chief 
12 


134      INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

sphere  of  their  influence.  They  are  often  recog- 
nised and  openly  avowed  as  just  master  principles 
of  action.  But  where  this  is  not  the  case,  they  as- 
sume such  plausible  shapes,  are  called  by  such 
specious  names,  and  urge  such  powerful  pleas,  that 
they  are  received  with  cordiality,  and  suffered  to 
gather  strength  without  suspicion.  The  seducing 
considerations  of  diligence  in  our  callings,  of  suc- 
cess in  our  profession,  of  making  handsome  pro- 
visions for  our  children,  beguile  our  better  judg- 
ments. "  We  rise  early,  and  late  take  rest,  and  eat 
the  bread  of  carefulness."  In  our  few  intervals  of 
leisure,  our  exhausted  spirits  require  refreshment ; 
the  serious  concerns  of  our  immortal  souls  are  matters 
of  speculation  too  grave  and  gloomy  to  answer  the 
purpose,  and  we  fly  to  something  that  may  better 
deserve  the  name  of  relaxation,  till  we  are  again 
summoned  to  the  daily  labors  of  our  employment. 

Meanwhile  religion  scarcely  occurs  to  our 
thoughts  ;  and  when  some  secret  misgivings  begin 
to  be  felt  on  this  head,  company  soon  drowns,  amuse- 
ments dissipate,  or  habitual  occupations  insensibly 
displace  or  smother  the  rising  apprehension.  Pro- 
fessional and  commercial  men  often  quiet  their 
consciences  by  the  plea,  that  their  business  leaves 
them  no  time  to  think  on  these  serious  subjects  at 
present.  "  Men  of  leisure  they  confess  should  con- 
sider them  ;  they  themselves  will  do  it  hereafter 
when  they  retire;  meanwhile  they  are  usefully,  or  at 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  135 

least  innocently  employed."  Thus  business  and  plea- 
sure fill  up  our  time,  and  the  "  one  thing  needful "  is 
forgotten.  Respected  by  others,  and  secretly  applaud- 
ing ourselves,  perhaps  congratulating  ourselves  that 
we  are  not  like  such  a  one  who  is  a  spendthrift  or 
a  mere  man  of  pleasure,  or  such  another  who  is  a 
notorious  miser,  the  true  principle  of  action  is  no 
less  wanting  in  us,  and  personal  advancement  or  the 
acquisition  of  wealth  is  the  object  of  our  supreme 
desires  and  predominant  pursuit. 

It  would  be  too  much  to  attempt  the  delineation  of 
the  characters  of  the  politician,  the  metaphysician, 
the  scholar,  the  poet,  the  virtuoso,  the  man  of  taste, 
in  all  their  varieties.  Of  these  and  many  other 
classes,  suffice  it  to  appeal  to  every  man's  own  expe- 
rience for  the  truth  of  the  observation,  that  they  in 
like  manner  are  often  completely  engrossed  by  their 
several  pursuits.  In  many  cases,  indeed,  a  generous 
spirit  surrenders  itself  wholly  up  with  the  less  re- 
serve, and  continues  absorbed  with  the  fuller  con- 
fidence, from  the  consciousness  of  not  being  led  by 
self-interested  motives.  Here  therefore  these  men  are 
ardent,  active,  laborious,  persevering,  and  they  think, 
and  speak,  and  act,  as  those  the  whole  happiness  of 
whose  life  turns  on  the  success  or  failure  of  their 
endeavors.  Let  not  the  writer  be  supposed  to  in- 
sinuate that  religion  is  an  enemy  to  the  pursuits  of 
taste,  much  less  to  those  of  learning  and  of  science. 
Let  these  have  their  due  place  in  the  estimation  of 


136      INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

mankind ;  but  this  must  not  be  the  highest  place. 
Let  them  know  their  just  subordination.  They  de- 
serve not  to  be  the  primary  concern,  for  there  is 
another,  to  which  in  importance  they  bear  no  more 
proportion  than  our  span  of  existence  to  eternity. 

Thus  the  supreme  desires  of  the  heart  are  per- 
mitted without  control  to  take  that  course,  whatever 
it  may  be,  which  best  suits  our  natural  temper,  or  to 
which  they  are  impelled  by  our  various  situations 
and  circumstances.  "  Know  thyself,"  is  in  truth  an 
injunction  with  which  the  careless  and  the  indolent 
cannot  comply.  For  this  compliance,  it  is  requisite, 
in  obedience  to  the  Scripture  precept,  "  to  keep  the 
heart  with  all  diligence."  Mankind  are  in  general 
deplorably  ignorant  of  their  true  state ;  and  there  are 
few  who  have  any  adequate  conception  of  the  real 
strength  of  the  ties  by  which  they  are  bound  to  the 
several  objects  of  their  attachment,  or  who  are  aware 
how  small  a  share  of  their  regard  is  possessed  by 
those  concerns  on  which  it  ought  to  be  supremely 
fixed. 

But  God  requires  to  set  up  his  throne  in  the  heart, 
and  to  reign  in  it  without  a  rival :  if  he  be  kept  out  of 
his  right,  it  matters  not  by  what  competitor.  The 
revolt  may  be  more  avowed  or  more  secret ;  it  may 
be  the  treason  of  deliberate  preference,  or  of  incon- 
siderate levity ;  we  may  be  the  subjects  of  a  more  or 
of  a  less  creditable  master ;  we  may  be  employed  in 
services  more  gross  or  more  refined ;  but  whether 


THfi    JfATtRE     OF    CHRISTIANITY.  137 

the  slaves  of  avarice,  of  sensuality,  of  dissipation,  of 
sloth,  or  the  votaries  of  ambition,  of  taste,  or  of 
fashion ;  whether  supremely  governed  by  vanity  and 
self-love,  by  the  desire  of  literary  fame  or  of  military 
glory,  we  are  alike  estranged  from  the  dominion  of 
our  rightful  Sovereign.  Let  not  this  seem  a  harsh 
position ;  it  can  appear  so  only  from  not  adverting 
to  what  was  shown  to  be  the  essential  nature  of  true 
religion.  He  who  bowed  the  knee  to  the  god  of 
medicine  or  of  eloquence,  was  no  less  an  idolater 
than  the  worshiper  of  the  deified  patrons  of  lewdness 
or  of  theft.  In  the  several  cases  which  have  been 
specified,  the  external  acts  indeed  are  different,  but 
in  principle  the  disaffection  is  the  same ;  and  we 
must  prepare  to  meet  the  punishment  of  rebels  on 
that  tremendous  day,  when  all  false  colors  shall  be 
done  away,  and,  there  being  no  longer  any  room  for 
the  evasions  of  worldly  sophistry,  or  the  smooth 
plausibilities  of  worldly  language,  "  that  which  is 
often  highly  esteemed  amongst  men,  shall  appear  to 
have  been  abomination  in  the  sight  of  God." 

These  fundamental  truths  seem  vanished  from  the 
mind,  and  it  follo\vs  of  course,  that  every  thing  is 
viewed  less  and  less  through  a  religious  medium. 
To  speak  no  longer  'of  instances  wherein  we  our- 
selves are  concerned,  what  are  the  judgments  which 
men  form  in  the  case  of  others  ?  Idleness,  profusion, 
thoughtlessness,  and  dissipation,  the  misapplication 
of  time  or  of  talents,  the  trifling  away  of  life  in 
12* 


138  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

frivolous  occupations  or  unprofitable  studies;  all 
these  thing^s  we  may  regret  in  those  around  us,  in 
the  view  of  their  temporal  effects  ;  but  they  are  not 
considered  in  a  religious  connexion,  or  lamented  as 
endangering  everlasting  happiness.  Excessive  vani- 
ty and  inordinate  ambition  are  spoken  of  as  weak- 
nesses rather  than  as  sins  ;  even  covetousness  itself, 
though  a  hateful  passion,  yet,  if  not  extreme,  scarcely 
presents  the  face  of  irreligion.  Is  some  friend,  or 
even  some  common  acquaintance  sick,  or  has  some 
accident  befallen  him  ?  How  solicitously  do  we  in- 
quire after  him,  how  tenderly  do  we  visit  him,  how 
much  perhaps  do  we  regret  that  he  has  not  better 
advice,  and' how  should  we  reproach  ourselves  if  we 
were  to  neglect  any  means  in  our  power  of  contri- 
buting to  his  recovery  !  But  "  the  mind  is  diseased," 
is  neglected  and  forgotten — "  that  is  not  our  affair ; 
we  hope,  we  do  not  perhaps  really  believe,  that  here 
it  is  well  with  him."  The  truth  is,  we  have  no  so- 
licitude about  his  spiritual  interest.  Here  he  is 
treated  like  the  unfortunate  traveler  in  the  Gospel ; 
we  look  upon  him ;  we  see  but  too  well  his  sad  con- 
dition, but  (priest  and  Levite  alike)  we  pass  by  on 
the  other  side,  and  leave  him  to  the  officious  tender- 
ness of  some  poor  despised  Samaritan. 

Nay,  take  the  case  of  our  very  children,  when  our 
hearts  being  most  interested  to  promote  their  happi- 
ness, we  must  bo  supposed  most  desirous  of  deter- 
mining on  right  principles,  and  where  therefore  the 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  139 

real  standard  of  our  deliberate  judgments  may  be 
indisputably  ascertained :  in  their  education  and  mar- 
riage, in  the  choice  of  their  professions,  in  our  com- 
parative consideration  and  judgment  of  the  different 
parts  of  their  several  characters,  how  little  do  we 
reflect  that  they  are  immortal  beings !  Health,  learn- 
ing, credit ;  the  amiable  and  agreeable  qualities ; 
above  all,  fortune  and  success  in  life,  are  taken,  and 
not  unjustly  taken,  into  the  account;  but  how  small 
a  share  in  forming  our  opinions  is  allowed  to  the 
probable  effect  which  may  be  produced  on  their 
eternal  interests  !  Indeed,  the  subjects  of  our  mutual 
inquiries,  and  congratulations,  and  condolences,  prove 
but  too  plainly  what  considerations  are  in  these  cases 
uppermost  in  our  thoughts. 

Such  are  the  fatal  and  widely  spreading  efiects 
which  follow  from  the  admission  of  the  grand  funda- 
mental error  before  mentioned,  that  of  not  consider- 
ing religion  as  a  principle  of  universal  application 
and  command.  Robbed  of  its  best  energies,  religion 
now  takes  the  form  of  a  cold  compilation  of  restraints 
and  prohibitions.  Considering,  moreover,  that  the 
matter  of  them  is  not  in  general  very  palatable,  and 
that  the  partiality  of  every  man,  where  his  own  cause 
is  in  question,  will  be  likely  to  make  him  construe 
them  liberally  in  his  own  favor,  we  might  before- 
hand have  formed  a  tolerable  judgment  of  the  man- 
ner in  which  they  are  actually  treated.  Sometimes 
we  attend  to  the  words  rather  than  to  the  spirit  of 


140  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

Scripture  injunctions,  overlooking  the  principle  they 
involve,  which  a  better  acquaintance  with  the  word 
of  God  would  have  clearly  taught  us  to  infer  from 
them.  At  others,  "  the  spirit  of  an  injunction  is  all ;" 
and  this  we  contrive  to  collect  so  dexterously,  as 
thereby  to  relax  or  annul  the  strictness  of  the  terms. 
They  sa3^  "Whatever  is  not  expressly  forbidden 
cannot  be  very  criminal ;  whatever  is  not  positively 
enjoined,  cannot  be  indispensably  necessary.  If  we 
do  not  offend  against  the  laws,  what  more  can  be 
expected  from  us  ? — The  persons  to  whom  the  strict 
precepts  of  the  Gospel  were  given,  were  in  very  dif- 
ferent circumstances  from  those  in  which  we  are 
placed.  The  injunctions  were  drawn  rather  tighter 
than  is  quite  necessary,  in  order  to  allow  for  a  little 
relaxation  in  practice.  The  expressions  of  the  sa- 
cred writers  are  figurative  ;  the  eastern  style  is  con- 
fessedly hyperbolical." 

By  these  and  other  such  dishonest  shifts,  by  which 
however  we  seldom  deceive  ourselves,  except  it  be 
in  thinking  that  we  deceive  others,  the  pure  but 
strong  morality  of  the  word  of  God  is  explained 
away,  and  its  too  rigid  canons  are  softened  down 
with  as  much  dexterity  as  is  exhibited  by  those  who 
practice  a  logic  of  the  same  complexion,  in  order  to 
escape  from  the  obligations  of  human  statutes. 

But  when  the  law,  both  in  its  spirit  and  its  letter, 
is  obstinate  and  incorrigible,  what  we  cannot  bend  to 
our  purpose  we  must  break.    Hear  excuses  of  this 


THB    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  141 

nature :  "  Our  sins,  we  hope,  are  of  the  smaller  order; 
a  little  harmless  gallantry,  a  little  innocent  jollity,  a 
few  foolish  expletives  which  we  use  from  the  mere 
force  of  habit,  meaning  nothing  by  them ;  a  little 
warmth  of  coloring  and  license  of  expression ;  a 
few  freedoms  of  speech  in  the  gayety  of  our  hearts, 
which,  though  not  perhaps  strictly  correct,  none  but 
the  over-rigid  would  think  of  treating  any  otherwise 
than  as  venial  infirmities,  and  in  which  very  grave 
and  religious  men  will  often  take  their  share,  when 
they  may  throw  off  their  state,  and  relax  without  im- 
propriety. We  serve  an  all-merciful  Being,  who 
knows  the  frailty  of  our  nature,  the  number  and 
strength  of  our  temptations,  and  will  not  be  extreme 
to  mark  what  is  done  amiss.  Even  the  less  lenient 
judicatures  of  human  institution  concede  somewhat 
to  the  weakness  of  man.  It  is  an  established  maxim 
— '  De  minimis  non  curat  lex.'  We  hope  we  are  not 
worse  than  the  generality.  All  men  are  imperfect. 
We  own  we  have  our  infirmities  ;  we  confess  it  is 
so  ;  we  wish  we  were  better,  and  trust,  as  we  grow 
older,  we  shall  become  so ;  we  are  ready  to  acknow- 
ledge that  we  must  be  indebted  for  our  admission 
into  a  future  state  of  happiness,  not  to  our  own  merit, 
but  to  the  clemency  of  God,  and  the  mercy  of  our 
Redeemer." 

But  let  not  this  language  be  mistaken  for  that  of 
true  Christian  humiliation,  of  which  it  is  the  very 
essence  to  feel  the  burden  of  sin,  and  to  long  to  be 


142      INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

released  from  it :  nor  let  two  things  be  confounded, 
than  which  none  can  be  more  fundamentally  differ- 
ent— the  allowed  want  of  universality  in  our  deter- 
mination and  our  endeavor  to  obey  the  will  of  God, 
and  that  defective  accomplishment  of  our  purposes, 
which  even  the  best  of  men  will  too  often  find  reason 
to  deplore.  In  the  persons  of  whom  we  now  have  been 
speaking,  the  unconcern  with  which  they  can  amuse 
themselves  upon  the  borders  of  sin,  and  the  easy 
familiarity  with  which  they  can  actually  dally  with 
it  in  its  less  offensive  shapes,  show  plainly  that,  dis- 
tinctly from  its  consequences,  it  is  by  no  means  the 
object  of  their  aversion ;  that  there  is  no  love  of  ho- 
liness as  such:  no  endeavor  to  acquire  it,  no  care  to 
prepare  the  soul  for  the  reception  of  this  divine 
principle,  and  to  expel  or  keep  under  whatever 
might  be  likely  to  obstruct  its  entrance,  or  dispute 
its  sovereignty. 

It  is  indeed  a  most  lamentable  consequence  of  the 
practice .  of  regarding  religion  as  a  compilation  of 
statutes,  and  not  as  an  internal  principle,  that  it  soon 
comes  to  be  considered  as  being  conversant  about 
external  actions,  rather  than  about  habits  of  mind. 
This  sentiment  sometimes  has  even  the  hardiness  to 
insinuate  and  maintain  itself  under  the  guise  of  ex- 
traordinary concern  for  practical  religion ;  but  it 
soon  discovers  the  falsehood  of  this  pretension,  and 
betrays  its  real  nature.  The  expedient  indeed  of 
attaining  to  superiority  in  practice,  by  not  wasting 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  143 

any  of  the  attention  on  the  internal  principles  from 
which  alone  practice  can  flow,  is  about  as  reasonable, 
and  will  answer  about  as  well,  as  the  economy  of 
the  architect  Avho  should  account  it  mere  prodigality 
to  expend  any  of  his  materials  in  laying  foundations, 
from  an  idea  that  they  might  be  more  usefully  ap- 
plied to  the  raising  of  the  superstructure.  We  know 
what  would  be  the  fate  of  such  an  edifice. 

It  is  indeed  true,  and  a  truth  never  to  be  forgotten, 
that  all  pretensions  to  internal  principles  of  holiness 
are  vain,  when  they  are  contradicted  by  the  conduct ; 
but  it  is  no  less  true,  that  the  only  effectual  way  of 
improving  the  latter,  is  by  a  vigilant  attention  to  the 
former.  It  was  therefore  our  blessed  Savior's  in- 
junction, "Make  the  tree  good"  as  the  necessary 
means  of  obtaining  good  fruit ;  and  the  holy  Scrip- 
tures abound  in  admonitions,  to  let  it  be  our  chief 
business  to  cultivate  our  hearts  with  all  diligence, 
to  examine  into  their  state  with  impartiality,  and 
vratch  over  them  with  continual  care.  Indeed  it  is 
the  heart  which  constitutes  the  man ;  and  external 
actions  derive  their  whole  character  and  meaning 
from  the  motives  and  dispositions  of  which  they  are 
the  indications.  Human  judicatures,  it  is  true,  are 
chiefly  conversant  about  the  former ;  but  this  is  only 
because,  to  our  limited  perceptions,  the  latter  can  sel- 
dom be  any  otherwise  clearly  ascertained.  The  real 
object  of  inquiry  to  human  judicatures  is  the  internal 
disposition  ;  it  is  to  this  that  they  adapt  the  nature, 
and  proportion  the  degree  of  their  punishments. 


144       INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  Of 

Yet  though  this  be  a  truth  so  obvious,  so  es- 
tablished, that  to  have  insisted  on  it  may  seem  al- 
most needless  ;  it  is  a  truth  of  which  we  are  apt  to 
lose  sight  in  the  review  of  our  religious  character, 
and  with  which  the  habit  of  considering  religion  as 
consisting  rather  in  external  actions  than  internal 
principles,  is  at  direct  and  open  war.  This  mode  of 
judging  may  well  be  termed  habitual ;  for  though  by 
some  persons  it  is  advisedly  adopted  and  openly 
avowed,  yet  in  many  cases,  for  want  of  due  watch- 
fulness, it  has  stolen  insensibly  upon  the  mind;  it 
exists  unsuspected,  and  is  practiced,  like  other  habits, 
without  consciousness  or  observation. 

In  what  degree  soever  this  pernicious  principle 
prevails,  in  that  degree  is  the  mischief  it  produces. 
The  vicious  affections,  like  noxious  weeds,  sprout 
up  and  increase  of  themselves  out  too  naturally ; 
while  the  graces  of  the  Christian  temper,  exotics  in 
the  soil  of  the  human  heart,  like  the  more  tender 
productions  of  the  vegetable  world,  though  the  light 
and  breath  of  heaven  must  quicken  them,  require,  on 
our  part  also,  constant  and  assiduous  care.  But  so 
far  from  their  being  earnestly  sought  for,  or  watch- 
fully reared,  with  unremitted  prayers  for  that  divine 
grace,  without  which  all  our  labors  must  be  ineffec- 
tual ;  such  is  the  result  of  the  principle  we  are  here 
condemning,  that  no  endeavors  are  used  for  their  at- 
tainment, or  they  are  suffered  to  droop  and  die  al- 
most without  an  effort  to  preserve  them-  Way  being 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  145 

thus  made  for  the  unobstructed  growth  of  other  tem- 
pers, the  qualities  of  which  are  very  different,  and 
often  directly  opposite,  these  naturally  overspread 
and  quietly  possess  the  mind ;  their  contrariety  to  the 
Christian  spirit  not  being  discerned,  and  even  perhaps 
their  presence  being  scarcely  acknowledged,  except 
when  their  existence  and  their  nature  are  manifested 
in  the  conduct,  by  marks  too  plain  to  be  overlooked 
or  mistaken. 

Some  of  the  most  important  branches  of  the 
Christian  temper,  wherein  the  bulk  of  nominal 
Christians  appear  eminently  and  allowedly  defective, 
have  been  already  noticed  in  this  and  in  the  pre- 
ceding chapter.  Many  others  still  remain  to  be  par- 
ticularized. 

First,  then,  it  is  the  comprehensive  compendium 
of  the  character  of  true  Christians,  that  "  they  are 
walking  by  faith,  and  not  by  sight."  By  this  de- 
scription is  meant,  not  merely  that  they  so  firmly 
believe  in  the  doctrine  of  future  rewards  and  punish- 
ments, as  to  be  influenced  by  that  persuasion  to  ad- 
here in  the  main  to  the  path  of  duty,  though  tempted 
to  forsake  it  by  present  interest  and  present  gratifi- 
cation ;  but  farther,  that  the  great  truths  revealed  in 
Scripture  concerning  the  unseen  world,  are  the 
ideas  for  the  most  part  uppermost  in  their  thoughts, 
and  about  which  habitually  their  hearts  are  most  in- 
terested. This  state  of  mind  contributes,  if  the  ex- 
pression may  be  allowed,  to  rectify  the  illusions  of 
13 


146      INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

vision,  to  bring  forward  into  nearer  view  those  eter- 
nal things  which,  from  their  remoteness,  are  apt  to  be 
cither  wholly  overlooked,  or  to  appear  but  faintly  in 
the  utmost  bounds  of  the  horizon ;  and  to  remove 
backward,  and  reduce  to  their  true  comparative  di- 
mensions, the  objects  of  the  present  life,  which  are 
apt  to  fill  the  human  eye,  assuming  a  false  magni- 
tude from  their  vicinity.     The  true  Christian  knows 
from  experience,  however,  that  the  former  are  apt 
to  fade  from  the  sight,  and  the  latter  again  to  swell 
on  it.     He  makes  it  therefore  his  continual  care  to 
preserve  those  just  and  enlightened  views  which, 
through  divine  mercy,  he  has  obtained.     Not  that 
he  will  retire  from  that  station  in  the  world  which 
Providence  seems  to  have  appointed  him  to  fill :  he 
will  be  active  in  the  business  of  life,  and  enjoy  its 
comforts  with  moderation  and  thankfulness  ;  but  he 
will  not  give  up  his  whole  soul  to  them,  they  will 
be  habitually  subordinate  in  his  estimation  to  objects 
of  .more  importance.     The  awful  truth  has  sunk 
deep  into  his  mind,  "the  things  which  are  seen  are 
temporal,  but  the  things  which  are  not  seen  are 
eternal ;"  and  in  the  tumult  and  bustle  of  life,  he  is 
sobered  by  the  still  small  voice  which  whispers  to 
him,    "  The  fashion  of  this  world  passes  away." 
This  circumstance  alone  must,  it  is  obvious,  consti- 
tute a  vast  difference  between  the  habitual  temper  of 
his  mind,  and  that  of  the   generality  of  nominal 
Christians,  who  are  almost  entirely  taken  up  with 


THE     NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  147 

the  concerns  of  the  present  world.  They  know  in 
deed  that  they  are  mortal,  but  they  do  not  feel  it 
The  truth  rests  in  their  understandings,  and  cannot 
gain  admission  into  their  hearts.  This  speculative 
persuasion  is  altogether  different  from  that  strong 
practical  impression  of  the  infinite  importance  of 
etehial  things,  which,  attended  with  a  proportionate 
sense  of  the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  all  below, 
while  it  prompts  to  activity  from  a  conviction  that 
"  the  night  cometh  when  no  man  can  work,"  pro- 
duces a  certain  firmness  of  texture,  which  hardens 
us  against  the  buffets  of  fortune,  and  prevents  our 
being  very  deeply  penetrated  by  the  cares  and  in- 
terests, the  goods  or  evils  of  this  transitory  state. 
Thus  this  just  impression  of  the  relative  value  of 
temporal  and  eternal  things  maintains  in  the  soul 
a  dignified  composure  through  all  the  vicissitudes 
of  life.  It  quickens  our  diligence,  yet  moderates  our 
ardor;  urges  us  to  just  pursuits,  yet  checks  any 
undue  solicitude  about  the  success  of  them,  and 
thereby  enables  us,  in  the  language  of  Scripture, 
"to  use  this  world  as  not  abusing  it,"  rendering  us 
at  once  beneficial  to  others  and  comfortable  to  our- 
selves. 

But  this  is  not  all:  besides  the  distinction  be- 
tween the  nominal  and  the  real  Christian,  which 
results  from  the  impressions  produced  on  them  re- 
spectively by  the  eternal  duration  of  heavenly  things, 
there  is  another  grounded  on  their  nature,  no  less 


148  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

marked  nor  less  important.  They  are  stated  in 
Scripture,  not  only  as  entitling  themselves  to  the  no- 
tice of  the  true  Christian  from  considerations  of  in- 
terest, but  as  approving  themselves  to  his  judgment, 
from  a  conviction  of  their  excellence ;  and  yet  farther, 
as  recommending  themselves  to  his  feelings  by  their 
being  suited  to  the  renewed  dispositions  of  his  heart. 
Indeed,  v^^ere  the  case  otherwise,  did  not  their  quali- 
ties correspond  with  his  inclinations,  hovt'ever  he 
might  endure  them  on  principles  of  duty,  and  be 
coldly  conscious  of  their  superior  worth,  he  could 
not  lend  himself  to  them  with  cordial  complacency, 
much  less  look  to  them  as  the  surest  source  of 
pleasure.  But  this  is  the  light  in  which  they  are 
habitually  regarded  by  the  true  Christian.  He 
walks  in  the  ways  of  religion,  not  by  constraint,  but 
willingly ;  they  are  to  him  not  only  safe,  but  com 
fortable  ;  "  ways  of  pleasantness  as  well  as  of  peace." 
Not  but  that  here  also  he  is,  from  experience,  aware 
of  the  necessity  of  constant  support,  and  continual 
watchfulness :  without  these,  his  old  estimate  of 
things  is  apt  to  return  on  him,  and  the  former  ob- 
jects of  his  affections  to  resume  their  influence. 
With  earnest  prayers,  therefore,  for  the  Divine  help, 
with  jealous  circumspection  and  resolute  self-denial 
he  guards  against,  and  abstains  from  whatever 
might  be  likely  again  to  darken  his  enlightened 
"udgment  or  to  vitiate  his  reformed  taste  ;  thus  mak- 
hig  it  his  unwearied  endeavor  to  grow  in  the  know- 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  149 

ledge  and  love  of  heavenly  things,  and  to  obtain  a 
warmer  admiration  and  a  more  cordial  relish  of 
their  excellence. 

That  this  is  a  just  representation  of  the  habitual 
judgment,  and  of  the  leading  disposition  of  true 
Christians,  will  be  abundantly  evident,  if,  endeavor- 
ing to  "form  ourselves  after  our  proper  model,  we 
consult  the  Sacred  Scripture.  But  in  vain  are  Chris- 
tians there  represented  as  having  set  their  affections 
on  things  above,  as  cordially  rejoicing  in  the  service 
and  delighting  in  the  worship  of  God.  Pleasure  and 
religion  are  contradictory  terms  with  the  buVtc  of 
nominal  Christians.  They  may  look  back  indeed 
on  their  religious  offices  with  something  of  secret 
satisfaction,  and  even  feel  it  during  the  performance 
of  them,  from  the  idea  of  being  engaged  in  the  dis- 
charge of  a  duty  ;  but  this  is  altogether  different 
from  the  pleasure  which  attends  an  employment  in 
itself  acceptable  and  grateful  to  us.  The  writer 
must  here  again  guard  against  being  understood  to 
speak  of  a  deficiency  in  the  warmth  and  vehemence 
merely  of  religious  affections.  Are  the  service  and 
worship  of  God  pleasant  to  these  persons  ?  it  is  not 
asked  whether  they  are  delightful.  Do  they  diffuse 
over  the  soul  any  thing  of  that  calm  complacency, 
that  mild  and  grateful  composure,  which  bespeaks 
a  mind  in  good  humor  with  itself  and  all  around, 
and  engaged  in  a  service  suited  to  its  taste,  and  con- 
genial with  its  feelings? 

13* 


150  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

Let  us  appeal  to  the  day  especially  devoted  to  the 
offices  of  religion :  Do  they  joyfully  avail  them- 
selves of  this  blessed  opportunity  of  withdrawing 
from  the  business  and  cares  of  life ;  when,  without 
being  disquieted  by  any  doubt  whether  they  are  not 
neglecting  the  duties  of  their  proper  callings,  they 
may  be  allowed  to  detach  their  minds  from  earthly 
things,  that  by  a  fuller  knowledge  of  heavenly  ob- 
jects, and  a  more  habitual  acquaintance  with  them, 
their  hope  may  grow  more  "full  of  immortality?" 
Is  the  day  cheerfully  devoted  to  those  holy  exercises 
for  which  it  was  appointed  ?  Do  they  indeed  "  come 
into  the  courts  of  God  with  gladness?''  And  how 
are  they  employed  when  not  engaged  in  the  public 
services  of  the  day  ?  Are  they  busied  in  studying  the 
word  of  God,  in  meditating  on  his  perfection,  in 
tracing  his  providential  dispensations,  in  admiring 
his  works,  in  revolving  his  mercies — above  all,  the 
transcendent  mercies  of  redeeming  love — in  singing 
his  praises,  "and  speaking  good  of  his  name?"  Do 
their  secret  retirements  witness  the  earnestness  of 
their  prayers  and  the  warmth  of  their  thanksgiv- 
ings, their  diligence  and  impartiality  in  the  necessa- 
ry work  of  self-examination,  their  mindfulness  of 
the  benevolent  duty  of  intercession  ?  Is  the  kind 
purpose  of  the  institution  of  a  Sabbath  answered  by 
them,  in  its  being  made  to  their  servants  and  de- 
pendants a  season  of  rest  and  comfort  ?  Does  the 
instruction  of  their  families,  or  of  the  more  poor  and 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  151 

ignorant  of  their  neighbors,  possess  its  due  share  of 
their  time  ?  If  blessed  Avith  talents  or  with  affluence, 
are  they  sedulously  employing  a  part  of  this  inter- 
val of  leisure  in  relieving  the  indigent,  visiting  the 
sick,  and  comforting  the  sorrowful — in  forming  plans 
for  the  good  of  their  fellow-creatures,  in  considering 
how  they  may  promote  both  the  temporal  and  spiri- 
tual benefit  of  their  friends  and  acquaintance ;  or 
if  theirs  is  a  larger  sphere,  in  devising  measures 
whereby,  through  the  Divine  blessing,  they  may 
become  the  honored  instruments  of  the  more  extend- 
ed diffusion  of  religious  truth  ?  In  the  hours  of  do- 
mestic or  social  intercourse,  does  their  conversation 
manifest  the  subject  of  which  their  hearts  are  full  1 
Do  their  language  and  demeanor  show  them  to  be 
more  than  commonly  gentle,  and  kind,  and  friendly, 
free  from  rough  and  irritating  passions  ? 

Surely  an  entire  day  should  not  seem  long  amidst 
these  various  employments.  It  might  well  be  deem- 
ed a  privilege  thus  to  spend  it  in  the  more  imme- 
diate presence  of  our  heavenly  Father,  in  the  exer- 
cises of  humble  admiration  and  grateful  homage — of 
the  benevolent,  and  domestic,  and  social  feelings, 
and  of  all  the  best  affections  of  our  nature,  prompted 
by  their  true  motives,  conversant  about  their  proper 
objects,  and  directed  to  their  noblest  end ;  all  sorrows 
mitigated,  all  cares  suspended,  all  fears  repressed, 
every  angry  emotion  softened,  every  envious,  or  re- 
vengeful, or  malignant   passion  expelled  ;  and  the 


152  INADEQUATE    CONCEPTIONS    OF 

bosom  thus  quieted,  purified,  enlarged,  ennobled,  par- 
taking almost  of  a  measure  of  the  heavenly  happi 
ness,  and  become  for  a  while  the  seat  of  love,  and 
joy,  and  confidence,  and  harmony. 

The  nature  and  uses,  and  proper  employments  of 
a  Christian  Sabbath,  have  been  pointed  out  more 
particularly,  not  only  because  the  day  will  be  found, 
when  thus  employed,  eminently  conducive,  through 
the  Divine  blessing,  to  the  maintenance  of  the  reli- 
gious principle  in  activity  and  vigor ;  but  also  be- 
cause we  must  all  have  had  occasion  often  to  re- 
mark, that  many  persons,  of  the  graver  and  more 
decent  sort,  seem  not  seldom  to  be  nearly  destitute 
of  religious  resources.  The  Sunday  is  with  them, 
to  say  the  best  of  it,  a  heavy  day;  and  that  larger 
part  of  it,  which  is  not  claimed  by  the  public  offices 
of  the  church,  dully  drawls  on  in  comfortless 
vacuity,  or  without  improvements,  is  trifled  away 
in  vain  and  unprofitable  discourse.  Not  to  speak  of 
those  who,  by  their  more  daring  profanation  of  this 
sacred  season,  openly  -^^iolate  the  laws  and  insult  the 
religion  of  their  country,  how  little  do  many  seem 
to  enter  into  the  spirit  of  the  institution  who  are  not 
wholly  inattentive  to  its  exterior  decorums !  How 
glad  are  they  to  qualify  the  rigor  of  their  religious 
labors  !  How  hard  do  they  plead  against  being  com- 
pelled to  devote  the  whole  of  the  day  to  religion, 
claiming  to  themselves  no  small  merit  for  giving  up 
to  it  a  part,  and  purchasing  therefore,  as  they  hope, 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  153 

a  right  to  spend  the  remainder  more  agreeably ! 
How  dextrously  do  they  avail  themselves  of  any 
plausible  plea  for  introducing  some  week-day  em- 
ployment into  the  Sunday,  whilst  they  have  not  the 
same  propensity  to  introduce  any  of  the  Sunday's 
peculiar  employment  into  the  rest  of  the  week  !  How 
often  do  they  find  excuses  for  taking  journeys,  wri- 
ting letters,  balancing  accounts ;  or,  in  short,  doing 
something  which,  by  a  little  management,  might  pro- 
bably have  been  anticipated,  or  which,  without  any 
material  inconvenience,  might  be  postponed  !  Even 
business  itself  is  recreation,  compared  with  religion, 
and  from  the  drudgery  of  this  day  of  sacred  rest 
they  fiy  for  relief  to  their  ordinary  occupations. 

Others  again,  who  would  consider  business  as  a 
profanation,  and  who  still  hold  out  against  the  en- 
croachments of  the  card-table,  get  over  much  of  the 
day,  and  gladly  seek  for  an  innocent  resource  in  the 
social  circle  or  in  family  visits,  where  it  is  not  even 
pretended  that  the  conversation  turns  on  such  topics 
as  might  render  it  in  any  way  conducive  to  reli- 
gious instruction  or  improvement.  Their  families, 
meanwhile,  are  neglected,  their  servants  robbed  of 
Christian  privileges,  and  their  example  quoted  by 
others,  who  cannot  see  that  they  are  themselves  less 
religiously  employed,  while  playing  an  innocent 
game  at  cards  or  relaxing  in  the  concert-room. 

But  all  these  several  artifices,  whatever  they  may 
be,  to  unhallow  the  Sunday,  and  to  change  its  cha- 


154       INADEQUATE  CONCEPTIONS  OF 

Tacter,  prove  too  plainly,  however  we  may  be  glad 
to  take  refuge  in  religion,  when  driven  to  it  by  the 
loss  of  every  other  comfort,  and  to  retain,  as  it  were, 
a  reversionary  interest  in  an  asylum  which  may  re- 
ceive us  when  we  are  forced  from  the  transitory  en- 
joyments of  our  present  state  ;  that  in  itself  it  wears 
to  us  a  gloomy  and  forbidding  aspect,  and  not  a  face 
of  consolation  and  joy  ;  that  the  worship  of  God  is 
with  us  a  constrained,  and  not  a  willing  service, 
which  we  are  glad,  therefore,  to  abridge,  though  we 
dare  not  omit  it. 

Some  indeed  there  are  who,  with  concern  and 
grief,  will  confess  this  to  be  their  uncomfortable 
and  melancholy  state ;  who  humbly  pray,  and  dili- 
gently endeavor,  for  an  imagination  less  distracted 
at  devotional  seasons,  for  a  heart  more  capable  of 
relishing  the  excellence  of  divine  things  ;  and  who 
carefully  guard  against  whatever  has  a  tendency  to 
chain  down  their  affections  to  earthly  enjoyments. 
Let  not  such  be  discouraged.  It  is  not  these  whom 
we  are  condemning ;  but  such  as  know,  and  even 
acknowledge  this  to  be  their  case,  yet  proceed  in  a 
way  directly  contrary ;  who,  scarcely  seeming  to  sus- 
pect that  any  thing  is  wrong  with  them,  voluntarily 
acquiesce  in  a  state  of  mind  directly  contrary  to  the 
positive  commands  of  God,  which  forms  a  perfect  con- 
trast to  the  representations  given  us  in  Scripture  of 
the  christian  character,  and  accords  but  too  faithful- 
ly, in  one  leading  feature,  with  the  character  of  those 


THE    NATURE    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  155 

who  are  stated  to  be  the  objects  of  Divine  displea- 
sure in  this  life,  ard  of  Divine  punishment  in  the  next. 
It  is  not,  however,  only  in  these  essential  constitu- 
ents of  a  devotional  frame  that  the  bulk  of  nominal 
Christians  are  defective.  This  they  freely  declare, 
secretly  feeling  perhaps  some  complacency  from  the 
frankness  of  the  avowal,  to  be  a  higher  strain  of  pi- 
ety than  that  to  which  they  aspire.  Their  forget- 
fulness  also  of  some  of  the  leading  dispositions  of 
Christianity,  is  undeniably  apparent  in  their  allow- 
ed want  of  the  spirit  of  kindness,  and  meekness,  and 
gentleness,  and  patience,  and  long-suffering ;  and 
above  all,  of  that  which  is  the  stock  on  which  alone 
these  dispositions  can  grow  and  flourish,  that  hu- 
mility and  lowliness  of  mind,  in  which  perhaps, 
more  than  in  any  other  quality,  may  be  said  to  con- 
sist the  true  essence  and  vital  principle  of  the  chris- 
tian temper.  These  dispositions  are  not  only  ne- 
glected, but  even  disavowed  and  exploded  ;  and  their 
opposites,  if  not  rising  to  any  great  height,  are  ac- 
knowledged and  applauded.  A  just  pride,  a  pro- 
per and  becoming  pride,  are  terms  we  daily  hear. 
To  possess  a  high  spirit,  to  behave  with  proper  spi- 
rit when  used  ill — by  which  is  meant  a  quick  feel- 
mg  of  injuries,  and  a  promptness  in  resenting  them, 
entitles  to  commendation  ;  and  a  meek-spirited  dis- 
position, the  highest  scripture  eulogium,  expresses 
ideas  of  disapprobation  and  contempt.  Vanity  and 
"ain-glory  are  suffered  without  interruption  to  retain 


156  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

their  natural  possession  of  the  heart.  But  here  a 
topic  opens  upon  us  of  such  importance,  and  on 
which  so  many  mistakes  are  to  be  found,  both  in  the 
writings  of  respectable  authors  and  in  the  commonly 
prevailing  opinions  of  the  world,  that  we  must  treat 
of  it  in  a  separate  section. 


SECTION    III. 

071  the  desire  of  human  estiination  and  applause. —  The  gene- 
rally prevailing  opinions  contrasted  with  those  of  the  true 
Christian. 

The  desire  of  human  estimation,  and  distinction, 
and  honor,  of  the  admiration  and  applause  of  our 
fellow-creatures,  if  we  take  it  in  all  its  various  modi- 
fications, from  the  thirst  of  glory  to  the  dread  of 
shame,  is  the  passion  of  which  the  empire  is  by  far 
the  most  general,  and  perhaps  the  authority  the  most 
commanding.  Though  its  power  be  most  conspicu- 
ous in  the  higher  classes  of  society,  it  seems  to 
spare  neither  age,  nor  sex,  nor  condition  ;  and  taking 
ten  thousand  shapes,  insinuating  itself,  under  the 
most  specious  pretexts,  and  sheltering  itself,  when 
necessary,  under  the  most  artful  disguises,  it  winds 
its  way  in  secret,  when  it  dares  not  openly  avow 
itself,  and  mixes  in  all  we  think,  and  speak,  and  do. 
It  is  in  some  instances  the  determined  and  declared 
pursuit,  and  confessedly  the  main  practical  principle ; 


ESTIMATION'    AND    APPLAUSE.  157 

but  where  this  is  not  the  case,  it  is  not  seldom  the 
grand  spring  of  action,  and  in  the  beauty  and  the 
author,  no  less  than  in  the  soldier,  it  is  often  the 
master  passion  of  the  soul. 

This  is  the  principle  Avhich  parents  recognize 
with  joy  in  their  infant  offspring,  which  is  diligently 
instilled  and  nurtured  in  advancing  years,  which, 
under  the  names  of  honorable  ambition  and  of  laud- 
able emulation,  it  is  the  professed  aim  of  schools  and 
colleges  to  excite  and  cherish.  The  writer  is  well 
aware  that  it  will  be  thought  he  is  pushing  his 
opinions  much  too  far,  when  he  assails  this  great 
principle  of  human  action  ;  "  a  principle,"  its  advo- 
cates might  perhaps  exclaim,  "  the  extinction  of 
which  would  be  like  the  annihilation  in  the  material 
world  of  the  principle  of  motion  ;  without  it  all  were 
torpid,  and  cold,  and  comfortless.  We  grant,"  they 
might  go  on  to  observe,  "that  we  never  ought  to 
deviate  from  the  paths  of  duty  in  order  to  procure 
the  applause  or  to  avoid  the  reproaches  of  men,  and 
we  allow  that  this  is  a  rule  too  little  attended  to  in 
practice.  We  grant  that  the  love  of  praise  is  in  some 
instances  a  ridiculous,  and  in  others  a  mischievous 
passion ;  that  to  it  we  owe  coquettes  and  coxcombs, 
and,  a  more  serious  evil,  the  noxious  race  of  heroes 
and  conquerors.  We  too  are  ready,  when  it  appears 
in  the  shape  of  vanity,  to  smile  at  it  as  a  foible,  or 
in  that  of  false  glory,  to  condemn  it  as  a  crime.  But 
all  these  are  only  its  perversions  ;  and  on  account  of 
14 


158  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

them  to  contend  against  it,  were  to  give  in  to  the  error 
of  arguing  against  the  use  of  a  salutary  principle 
altogether,  on  account  of  its  being  liable  to  occasional 
abuse.  When  turned  into  the  right  direction,  and 
applied  to  its  true  purposes,  it  prompts  to  every  dig- 
nified and  generous  enterprise.  It  forces  indolence 
into  activity,  and  extorts  from  vice  itself  the  deeds  of 
generosity  and  virtue.  When  once  the  soul  is  warm- 
ed by  its  generous  ardor,  no  difficulties  deter,  no 
dangers  terrify,  no  labors  tire.  It  is  this  which, 
giving  by  its  stamp  to  what  is  virtuous  and  honora- 
ble, its  just  superiority  over  the  gifts  of  birth  and 
fortune,  rescues  the  rich  from  base  subjection  to  the 
pleasures  of  sense,  and  makes  them  prefer  a  course 
of  toil  and  hardship  to  a  life  of  indulgence  and  ease. 
It  prevents  the  man  of  rank  from  acquiescing  in  his 
hereditary  greatness,  and  spurs  him  forward  in  pur- 
suit of  personal  distinction,  and  of  a  nobility  which 
he  may  justly  term  his  own.  It  moderates  and  quali- 
fies the  over-great  inequalities  of  human  conditions  ; 
and  reaching  to  those  who  are  above  the  sphere  ol 
laws,  and  extending  to  cases  which  fall  not  within 
their  province,  it  limits  and  circumscribes  the  power 
of  the  tyrant  on  his  throne,  and  gives  gentleness  to 
war,  and  to  pride,  humility. 

"  Nor  is  its  influence  confined  to  public  life,  nor 
is  it  known  only  in  the  great  and  the  splendid.  To 
It  is  to  be  ascribed  a  large  portion  of  that  courtesy 
and  disposition  to  please,* which  naturally  producing 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  159 

a  mutual  appearance  of  good  will,  and  a  reciproca- 
tion of  good  offices,  constitute  much  of  the  comfort 
of  private  life.  Nay,  from  the  force  of  habit,  it  fol- 
lows us  even  into  solitude,  and  in  our  most  secret 
retirements  we  often  act  as  if  our  conduct  were  sub- 
ject to  human  observation,  and  we  derive  no  small 
complacency  from  the  imaginary  applauses  of  an 
ideal  spectator." 

So  far  of  the  effects  of  the  love  of  praise  and  dis- 
tinction: and  if,  after  enumerating  some  of  these, 
you  should  proceed  to  investigate  its  nature — "  We 
admit,"  it  might  be  added,  "that  a  hasty  and  mis- 
judging world  often  misapplies  commendations  and 
censures ;  and  whilst  we  therefore  confess  that  the 
praises  of  the  discerning  few  are  alone  truly  valua- 
ble ;  we  acknowledge  that  it  were  better  if  mankind 
were  always  to  act  from  the  sense  of  right  and  the 
love  of  virtue,  without  reference  to  the  opinions  of 
their  fellow-creatures.  We  even  allow  that,  inde- 
pendently of  consequences,  this  were  perhaps  in 
itself  a  higher  strain  of  virtue ;  but  it  is  a  degree  of 
purity  which  it  would  be  vain  to  expect  from  the 
bulk  of  mankind.  When  the  intrinsic  excellence  of 
this  principle,  however,  is  called  in  question,  let  it  be 
remembered,  that  in  its  higher  degrees  it  was  styled, 
by  one  who  meant  rather  to  detract  from  its  merits 
than  to  aggravate  them,  •  the  infirmity  of  noble 
minds ;'  and  surely,  that  in  such  a  soil  it  most  na- 
turally springs  up  and  flourishes,  is  proof  of  its  ex- 
alted origin  and  generous  nature. 


160  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

*'  But  were  these  more  dubious,  and  were  it  no 
more  than  a  splendid  error  ;  yet,  considering  that  it 
works  so  often  in  the  right  direction,  it  were  enough 
to  urge  in  its  behalf,  that  it  is  a  principle  of  real 
action  and  approved  energy.  That  it  is  to  be  pre- 
ferred for  general  use,  before  those  higher  principles 
of  morals  which,  however  just  and  excellent  in  them- 
selves, you  would  in  vain  attempt  to  bring  home  to 
the  '  business  and  bosoms  of  mankind/  at  large. 
Reject  not  then  a  principle  thus  universal  in  its  in- 
fluence, thus  valuable  in  its  effects;  a  principle 
which,  by  whatever  name  you  may  please  to  call  it, 
acts  by  motives  and  considerations  suited  to  our  con- 
dition ;  and  which,  putting  it  at  the  very  lowest,  must 
be  confessed,  in  our  present  infirm  state,  to  be  an 
habitual  aid  and  an  ever-present  support  to  the  fee- 
bleness of  virtue  !  In  a  selfish  world  it  produces  the 
effects  of  disinterestedness ;  and  when  public  spirit  is 
extinct,  it  supplies  the  want  of  patriotism.  Let  us 
therefore  with  gratitude  avail  ourselves  of  its  help, 
and  not  relinquish  the  good  which  it  freely  offers, 
from  we  know  not  what  vain  dreams  of  impractica- 
ble purity  and  unattainable  perfection." 

All  this  and  much  more  might  be  urged  by  tho 
advocates  of  this  favorite  principle.  It  would  be, 
however,  no  difficult  task  to  show  that  it  by  no  means 
merits  this  high  eulogium.  To  say  nothing  of  that 
larger  part  of  the  argument  of  our  opponents,  which 
proceeds  upon  that  mischievous  notion  of  the  inno- 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE  161 

cence  of  error,  the  principle  in  question  is  manifestly 
as  inconstant  and  variable  as  the  innumerably  di- 
versified modes  of  fashions,  habits,  and  opinions  in 
different  periods  and  societies.  What  it  tolerates  in 
one  age,  it  forbids  in  another ;  what  in  one  country 
it  prescribes  and  applauds,  in  another  it  condemns 
and  stigmatizes !  Obviously  and  openly  it  often 
takes  vice  into  its  patronage,  and  sets  itself  in  direct 
opposition  to  virtue.  It  is  calculated  to  produce  rather 
the  a'p'pearance  than  the  reality  of  excellence ;  and, 
at  best,  not  to  check  the  love,  but  only  the  commission 
of  vice.  Much  of  this  indeed  was  seen  and  acknow- 
ledged by  the  philosophers,  and  even  by  the  poets 
of  the  pagan  world.  They  declaimed  against  it  as 
a  mutable  and  inconsistent  principle  ;  they  lamented 
the  fatal  effects  which,  under  the  name  of  false  glory, 
it  had  produced  on  the  peace  and  happiness  of  man- 
kind. They  condemned  the  pursuit  of  it  when  it 
led  its  followers  out  of  the  path  of  virtue,  and  taught 
that  the  praise  of  the  wise  and  of  the  good  only  was 
to  be  desired. 

But  it  was  reserved  for  the  page  of  Scripture  to 
point  out  distinctly  wherein  this  is  essentially  de- 
fective and  vicious,  and  to  discover  to  us  more  fully 
its  encroaching  nature  and  dangerous  tendencies ; 
teaching  us  at  the  same  time,  how,  being  purified 
from  its  corrupt  qualities,  and  reduced  under  just 
subordination,  it  may  be  brought  into  legitimate 
exercise,  and  be  directed  to  its  true  end. 
14* 


162  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

In  the  sacred  volume  we  are  throughout  reminded 
that  we  are  originally  the  creatures  of  God's  forma- 
tion, and  continual  dependants  on  his  bounty.  There 
too  we  learn  the  painful  lesson  of  man's  degradation 
and  unworthiness.  We  learn  that  humiliation  and 
contrition  are  the  tempers  of  mind  best  suited  to  our 
fallen  condition,  and  most  acceptable  in  the  sight  of 
our  Creator.  We  learn  that  these  it  should  be  our 
habitual  care  to  cherish  and  cultivate,  (to  the  repres- 
sion and  extinction  of  that  spirit  of  arrogance  and 
self-importance  which  is  so  natural  to  the  heart 
of  man,)  studiously  maintaining  a  continual  sense 
that,  not  only  for  all  the  natural  advantages  over 
others  which  we  may  possess,  but  that  for  all  our 
moral  superiority  also,  we  are  altogether  indebted  to 
the  unmerited  goodness  of  God.  It  might  perhaps 
be  said  to  be  the  great  end  and  purpose  of  all  reve- 
lation, and  especially  to  be  the  design  of  the  Gospel, 
to  reclaim  us  from  our  natural  pride  and  selfishness, 
and  their  fatal  consequences ;  to  bring  us  to  a  just 
sense  of  our  weakness  and  depravity;  and  to  dispose 
us,  with  unfeigned  humiliation,  to  abase  ourselves, 
and  give  glory  to  God.  "  No  flesh  may  glory  in 
his  presence ;  he  that  glorieth,  let  him  glory  in  the 
Lord." — •'  The  lofty  looks  of  man  shall  be  humbled, 
and  the  haughtiness  of  men  shall  be  bowed  down, 
and  the  Lord  alone  shall  be  exalted."  Isa.  2:11. 

These  solemn  admonitions  are  too  generally  dis- 
regarded, their  mtimate  connexion  with  this  subject 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  L63 

has  been  often  entirely  overlooked,  even  by  Chris- 
tian moralists.  These  authors,  without  reference  to 
the  main -spring-,  and  internal  principle  of  conduct, 
are  apt  to  speak  of  the  love  of  human  applause  as 
being  meritorious  or  culpable,  as  being  the  desire  of 
true  or  of  false  glory,  accordingly  as  the  external 
actions  it  produces,  and  the  pursuits  to  which  it 
prompts,  are  beneficial  or  mischievous  to  mankind. 
But  it  is  undeniably  manifest,  that  in  the  judgment 
of  the  word  of  God,  the  love  of  worldly  admiration 
and  applause  is  in  its  nature  essentially  and  radically 
corrupt ;  so  far  as  it  partakes  of  a  disposition  to  exalt 
and  aggrandize  ourselves,  to  pride  ourselves  on  our 
natural  or  acquired  endowments,  or  to  assume  to 
ourselves  the  merit  and  credit  of  our  good  qualities, 
instead  of  ascribing  all  the  honor  and  glory  where 
only  they  are  due.  Its  guilt  therefore,  in  these  cases, 
is  not  to  be  measured  by  its  effects  on  the  happiness 
of  mankind  :  nor  is  it  to  be  denominated  true  or  false 
glory,  accordingly  as  the  ends  to  which  it  is  directed 
are  beneficial  or  mischievous,  just  or  unjust  objects 
vi  pursuit ;  but  it  is  false,  because  it  exalts  that  which 
jught  to  be  abased;  and  criminal,  because  it  en- 
croaches on  the  prerogative  of  God. 

The  Scriptures  further  instruct  us,  not  merely 
that  mankind  are  liable  to  error,  and  therefore  that 
the  world's  commendations  may  be  sometimes  mis- 
taken :  but  that  their  judgment  being  darkened  and 
heir  hearts  depraved,  its  applauses  and  contempt 


164  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

will  for  the  most  part  be  systematically  misplaced ; 
that  though  the  beneficent  and  disinterested  spirit  of 
Christianity,  and  her  obvious  tendency  to  promote 
domestic  comfort  and  general  happiness,  cannot  but 
extort  applause ;  yet  that  her  aspiring  after  more 
than  ordinary  excellence,  by  exciting  secret  mis- 
givings in  others,  or  a  painful  sense  of  inferiority 
not  unmixed  with  envy,  cannot  fail  often  to  disgust 
and  offend.  The  word  of  God  teaches  us,  that 
though  such  of  the  doctrines  and  precepts  of  Chris- 
tianity as  are  coincident  with  worldly  interests  and 
pursuits,  and  with  worldly  principles  and  systems, 
may  be  professed  without  offence ;  yet,  that  what  is 
opposite  to  these,  or  even  different  from  them,  will 
be  deemed  needlessly  precise  and  strict,  the  indul- 
gence of  a  morose  and  gloomy  humor,  the  symptoms 
of  a  contracted  and  superstitious  spirit,  the  marks  of 
a  mean,  enslaved,  or  distorted  understanding:  that 
for  these  and  other  reasons  the  follower  of  Christ 
must  not  only  make  up  his  mind  to  the  occasional 
relinquishment  of  worldly  favor,  but  that  it  should 
even  afford  him  matter  of  holy  jealousy  and  sus- 
picion of  himself,  when  it  is  very  lavishly  and  very 
generally  bestowed. 

But  though  the  standard  of  worldly  estimation 
differed  less  from  that  of  the  Gospel ;  yet,  since  our 
affections  ought  to  be  set  on  heavenly  things,  and 
conversant  about  heavenly  objects  ;  and  since,  in  par. 
dcular,  the  love  and  favor  of  God  ought  to  be  tha 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  165 

matter  of  our  supreme  and  habitual  desire,  to  which 
every  other  should  be  subordinated ;  it  follows  that 
the  love  of  human  applause  must  be  manifestly  in- 
jurious, so  far  as  it  tends  to  bound  and  circumscribe 
our  desires  within  the  narrow  limits  of  this  world; 
particularly  that  it  is  impure,  so  far  as  it  is  tinctured 
with  a  disposition  to  estimate  too  highly,  and  love 
too  well,  the  good  opinion  and  commendations  of 
man. 

But  though  the  holy  Scripture  warns  us  against 
the  inordinate  desire  or  earnest  pursuit  of  worldly 
estimation  and  honor,  though  it  so  greatly  reduces 
their  value,  and  prepares  us  for  losing  them  without 
surprise,  and  for  relinquishmg  them  with  little  re- 
luctance ;  yet  it  teaches  us  that  Christians  in  general 
are  not  only  not  called  upon  absolutely  and  volun- 
tarily to  renounce  or  forego  them,  but  that  when, 
without  our  having  solicitously  sought  them,  they 
are  bestowed  on  us  for  actions  intrinsically  good,  we 
are  to  accept  them  as  being  intended  by  Providence, 
to  be  sometimes,  even  in  this  disorderly  state  of 
things,  a  present  solace,  and  a  reward  to  virtue. 
Nay  more,  we  are  instructed,  that  in  our  general 
deportment,  that  in  little  particulars  of  conduct  other- 
Avise  indifferent,  that  in  the  circumstances  and  man- 
ner of  performing  actions  in  themselves  of  a  deter- 
mined character  and  indispensable  obligation,  guard- 
ing however  against  the  smallest  degree  of  artifice 
or  deceit ;  that  by  watching  for  opportunities  of  doings 


166  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

little  kindnesses,  that  by  avoiding  singularities,  and 
even  humoring  prejudices,  where  it  maybe  done  with- 
out the  slightest  infringement  on  truth  or  duty,  we 
ought  to  have  a  due  respect  and  regard  to  the  ap- 
probation and  favor  of  men.  These,  however,  we 
should  not  value  chiefly  as  they  administer  to  our 
own  gratification,  but  as  furnishing  means  and  in- 
struments of  influence,  which  we  may  turn  to  good 
account,  by  making  them  subservient  to  the  im- 
provement and  happiness  of  our  fellow-creatures, 
and  thus  conducive  to  the  glory  of  God.  The  re- 
mark is  almost  superfluous,  that  on  occasions  like 
these  we  must  even  watch  our  hearts  with  the  most 
jealous  care,  lest  pride  and  self-love  insensibly  infuse 
themselves,  and  corrupt  the  purity  of  principles  so 
liable  to  contract  a  taint. 

Credit  and  reputation,  in  the  judgment  of  the  true 
Christian,  stand  on  ground  not  very  difl^erent  from 
riches ;  which  he  is  not  to  prize  highly,  or  to  desire 
and  pursue  with  solicitude ;  but  which,  when  they 
are  allotted  to  him  by  the  hand  of  Providence,  he  is 
to  accept  with^  thankfulness,  and  to  use  with  mode- 
ration ;  relinquishing  them  when  it  becomes  neces- 
sary, without  a  murmur ;  guarding  most  circum- 
spectly, so  long  as  they  remain  with  him,  against 
that  sensual  and  selfish  temper,  and  no  less  against 
that  pride  and  wantonness  of  heart  which  they  are 
too  apt  to  produce  and  cherish ;  thus  considering 
them  as  in  themselves  acceptable,  but,  from  the  in- 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  167 

I 

firmity  of  his  nature,  as  highly  dangerous  posses- 
sions ;  and  valuing  them  not  as  instruments  of  luxury 
or  splendor,  but  as  affording  the  means  of  honoring 
his  heavenly  Benefactor,  and  lessening  the  miseries 
of  mankind. 

Christianity,  however,  proposes  not  to  extinguish 
our  natural  desires,  but  to  bring  them  under  just 
control,  and  direct  them  to  their  true  objects.  Whilst 
she  commands  us  not  to  set  our  hearts  on  earthly 
treasures,  she  reminds  us  that  "  we  have  in  heaven 
a  better  and  more  enduring  substance"  than  this 
world  can  bestow ;  and  while  she  represses  our  so- 
licitude respecting  earthly  credit,  and  moderates 
our  attachment  to  it,  she  holds  forth  to  us,  and  bids 
us  habitually  to  aspire  after  the  splendors  of  that 
better  state,  where  is  true  glory,  and  honor,  and  im- 
mortality ;  thus  exciting  in  us  a  just  ambition,  suited 
to  our  high  origin,  and  worthy  of  our  large  capaci- 
ties, which  the  little,  misplaced,  and  perishable  dis- 
tinctions of  this  life,  would  in  vain  attempt  to  satisfy. 

It  would  be  mere  waste  of  time  to  enter  into  any 
labored  argument  to  prove  at  large,  that  the  light  in 
which  worldly  credit  and  estimation  are  regarded, 
by  the  bulk  of  professed  Christians,  is  extremely 
different  from  that  in  which  they  are  placed  by  the 
page  of  Scripture.  The  inordinate  love  of  worldly 
glory,  indeed,  implies  a  passion  which,  from  the  na- 
ture of  things  cannot  be  called  into  exercise  in  the 
generality  of  mankind ;  because,  being  conversant 


168  ON    THE    DESIRE     OF    HUMAN 

about  great  objects,  it  can  but  rarely  find  that  field 
which  is  requisite  for  its  exertions.  But  we  every 
where  discover  the  same  principle  reduced  to  the 
dimensions  of  common  life,  and  modified  and  directed 
according  to  every  one's  sphere  of  action.  We  may 
discover  it  in  a  supreme  Jove  of  distinction,  and  ad- 
miration, and  praise;  in  the  universal  acceptableness 
of  flattery;  and  above  all,  in  the  excessive  valuation 
of  our  worldly  character,  in  that  watchfulness  with 
which  it  is  guarded,  in  that  jealousy  when  it  is  ques- 
tioned, in  that  solicitude  when  it  is  in  danger,  in 
that  hot  resentment  when  it  is  attacked,  in  that  bit- 
terness of  suffering  when  it  is  impaired  or  lost.  All 
these  emotions,  as  they  are  too  manifest  to  be  dis- 
puted, so  they  are  too  reputable  to  be  denied.  Dis- 
honor, disgrace,  and  shame  present  images  of  horror 
too  dreadful  to  be  faced;  they  are  evils,  which  it  is 
thought  the  mark  of  a  generous  spirit  to  consider  as 
excluding  every  idea  of  comfort  and  enjoyment,  and 
to  feel,  in  short,  as  too  heavy  to  be  borne. 

The  consequences  of  all  this  are  natural  and  ob- 
vious. Though  it  be  not  openly  avowed  that  we  are 
to  follow  after  worldly  estimation,  or  to  escape  from 
disrepute,  when  they  can  only  be  pursued  or  avoided 
by  declining  from  the  path  of  duty;  nay,  though  the 
contrary  be  recognised  as  being  the  just  opinion ; 
yet  all  the  effect  of  this  speculative  concession  is 
soon  done  away  in  fact.  Estimating  worldly  credit 
as  of  the  highest  intrinsic  excellence,  and  worldly 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  169 

shame  as  the  greatest  of  all  possible  evils,  we  some- 
times shape  and  turn  the  path  of  duty  itself  from  its 
true  direction,  so  as  it  may  favor  our  acquisition  of 
the  one  and  avoidance  of  the  other ;  or  when  this 
cannot  be  done,  we  boldly  and  openly  turn  aside 
from  it,  declaring  the  temptation  is  too  strong  to  be 
resisted. 

It  were  easy  to  adduce  numerous  proofs  of  the 
truth  of  these  assertions.  It  is  proved,  indeed,  by 
that  general  tendency  in  religion  to  conceal  herself 
from  the  view;  for  we  might  hope  that  in  these  cases 
she  often  is  by  no  means  altogether  extinct ;  by  her 
being  apt  to  vanish  from  our  conversations,  and  even 
to  give  place  to  a  pretended  licentiousness  of  senti- 
ments and  conduct,  and  a  false  show  of  infidelity. 
It  is  proved  by  that  complying  acquiescence  and 
participation  in  the  habits  and  manners  of  this  dis- 
sipated age,  which  has  almost  confounded  every  ex- 
ternal distinction  between  the  Christian  and  the  in- 
fidel, and  has  made  it  so  rare  to  find  any  one  who 
dares  incur  the  charge  of  Christian  singularity,  or 
who  can  say  with  the  apostle  that  "  he  is  not  asham- 
ed of  the  Gospel  of  Christ."  It  is  proved  (how  can 
this  proof  be  omitted  by  one  to  whose  lot  it  has  so 
often  fallen  to  witness  and  lament,  sometimes,  he 
fears,  to  afibrd  an  instance  of  it?)  by  that  quick  re- 
sentment, those  bitter  contentions,  those  angry  re- 
torts, those  malicious  triumphs,  that  impatience  of 
inferiority,  that  wakeful  sense  of  past  defeats,  and 
15 


170  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

promptness  to  revenge  them,  which  too  often  change 
the  character  of  a  christian  deliberative  assembly  into 
that  of  a  stage  for  prize-fighters :  violating  at  once 
the  proprieties  of  public  conduct  and  the  rules  of 
social  decorum,  and  renouncing  and  chasing  away- 
all  the  charities  of  the  religion  of  Jesus ! 

But  from  all  lesser  proofs  our  attention  is  drawn 
to  one  of  a  still  larger  size,  and  more  determined 
character.  Surely  the  reader  will  here  anticipate 
mention  ofthe  practice  of  duelling;  a  practice  which, 
to  the  disgrace  of  a  christian  society,  has  long  been 
sufl^ered  to  exist  with  little  restraint  or  opposition. 

This  practice,  whilst  it  powerfully  supports,  mainly 
rests  on  that  excessive  over-valuation  of  character 
which  teaches  that  worldly  credit  is  to  be  preserved 
at  any  rate,  and  disgrace  at  any  rate  to  be  avoided. 
The  unreasonableness  of  duelling  has  been  often 
proved,  and  it  has  often  been  shown  to  be  criminal, 
on  various  principles.  But  it  seems  hardly  to  have 
been  enough  noticed  in  what  chiefly  consists  its  es- 
sential guilt ;  that  it  is  a  deliberate  preference  of  the 
favor  of  man,  before  the  favor  and  approbation  of 
God,  in  articulo  mortis,  in  an  instant,  wherein  our 
own  life  and  that  of  a  fellow-creature  are  at  stake, 
and  wherein  we  run  the  risk  of  rushing  into  the 
presence  of  our  Maker  in  the  very  act  of  offending 
him.  It  would  detain  us  too  long,  and  it  were  some- 
what beside  our  present  purpose,  to  enumerate  the 
mischievous  consequences  which  result  from  this 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  171 

practice.  They  are  many  and  great ;  and  if  regard 
be  had  merely  to  the  temporal  interests  of  men,  and 
to  the  well-being  of  society,  they  are  but  poorly  met 
by  the  plea,  which  must  be  admitted  in  its  behalf  by 
a  candid  observer  of  human  nature,  of  a  courtesy  and 
refinement  in  our  modern  manners  unknown  to  an- 
cient times. 

But  there  is  one  observation  which  has  been  too 
much  overlooked.  In  the  judgment  of  that  religion 
which  requires  purity  of  heart,  and  of  that  Being  to 
whom,  as  was  before  remarked,  "thought  is  action," 
he  cannot  be  esteemed  innocent  of  this  crime  who 
lives  in  a  settled  habitual  determination  to  commit  it, 
when  circumstances  shall  call  upon  him  so  to  do.* 
This  is  a  consideration  which  places  the  crime  of 
duelling  on  a  different  footing  from  almost  any  other; 
indeed  there  is  perhaps  no  other,  which  mankind 
habitually  and  deliberately  resolve  to  practice  when- 
ever the  temptation  shall  occur.  It  shows  also  that 
the  crime  of  duelling  is  far  more  general  in  the 
higher  classes  than  is  commonly  supposed,  and  that 
the  whole  sum  of  the  guilt  which  the  practice  pro- 
duces is  great  beyond  what  has  perhaps  been  ever 
conceived  !  It  will  be  the  writer's  comfort  to  have 
solemnly  suggested  this  consideration  to  the  con- 
sciences of  those  by  whom  this  impious  practice 
iT_lght  be  suppressed  :  if  such  there  be,  which  he  is 

*  As,  "  Whosoever  looketh  on  a  woman  to  lust  after  her, 
liath  committed  adultery  with  her/'  &c.  Matt.  5 :  28 


172  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

Strongly  inclined  to  believe,  theirs  is  the  crime,  and 
theirs  the  responsibility  of  suffering  it  to  continue. 

In  the  foregoing  observations  it  has  not  been  the 
writer's  intention  to  discuss  completely  that  copious 
subject,  the  love  of  worldly  estimation.  Enough 
however  may  have  been  said,  to  make  it  evident 
that  this  principle  is  of  a  character  highly  question- 
able ;  that  it  should  be  brought  under  subjection,  and 
watched  with  the  most  jealous  care ;  that,  notwith- 
standing its  lofty  pretensions,  it  often  can  by  no 
means  justly  boast  that  high  origin  and  exalted  na- 
ture which  its  superficial  admirers  are  disposed  to 
concede  to  it.  What  real,  intrinsic,  essential  value, 
it  might  be  asked,  does  there  appear  to  be  in  a  virtue 
which  had  wholly  changed  its  nature  and  character, 
if  public  opinion  had  been  different?  But  it  is,  in 
truth,  of  base  extraction  and  ungenerous  qualities, 
springing  from  selfishness,  and  vanity,  and  low  am- 
bition ;  by  these  it  subsists,  and  thrives,  and  acts ;  and 
envy,  and  jealousy,  and  detraction,  and  hatred,  and 
variance,  are  its  faithful  and  natural  associates.  If 
it  sometimes  stimulates  to  great  and  generous  enter- 
prises ;  if  it  urges  to  industry,  and  sometimes  to  ex- 
cellence ;  if  in  the  more  contracted  sphere  it  produces 
courtesy  and  kindness ;  yet  to  its  account  we  must 
place  the  ambition  which  desolates  nations,  and  many 
of  the  competitions  and  resentments  which  interrupt 
the  harmony  of  social  life.  The  former  indeed  has 
been  often  laid  to  its  charge,  but  the  latter  have  not 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE,  173 

Deen  sufficiently  attended  to ;  and  still  less  has  its 
noxious  influence  on  the  vital  principle  and  distin- 
guishing graces  of  the  christian  character  been  duly 
pointed  out  and  enforced. 

To  read  the  writings  of  certain  christian  moral- 
ists,* and  to  observe  how  little  they  seem  disposed  to 
call  it  in  question,  except  where  it  raves  in  the  con- 
queror, one  should  be  almost  tempted  to  suspect  that, 
considering  it  as  a  principle-of  such  potency  and  pre- 
valence, as  that  they  must  despair  of  bringing  it  into 
just  subjection,  they  were  intent  only  on  compliment- 
ing it  into  good  humor,  like  those  barbarous  nations 
which  worship  the  evil  spirit  through  fear ;  or  rather, 
that  they  were  making  a  sort  of  composition  with  an 
enemy  they  could  not  master,  and  were  willing,  on 
condition  of  its  giving  up  the  trade  of  war,  to  suffe: 
It  to  rule  undisturbed,  and  range  at  pleasure. 

But  the  truth  is,  that  the  reasonings  of  christian 
moralists  too  often  exhibit  but  few  traces  of  the  genius 
of  christian  morality.  Of  this  position,  the  case  be- 
fore us  is  an  instance.  This  principle  of  the  desire 
of  worldly  distinction  and  applause  is  often  allowed, 
and  even  commended,  with  too  few  qualifications,  and 
too  little  reserve.  To  covet  wealth  is  base  and  sordid, 
but  to  covet  honor  is  treated  as  the  mark  of  a  ge- 
nerous and  exalted  nature.  These  writers  scarcely 
seem  to  bear  in  mind,  that  though  the  principle  in 

*  See  in  particular  a  paper  in  the  Guardian,  by  Addison, 
on  Honor,  vol.  ii. 

15* 


174  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

question  tends  to  prevent  the  commission  of  those 
grosser  acts  of  vice  which  would  injure  us  in  the 
general  estimation ;  yet  that  it  not  only  stops  there, 
but  that  it  there  begins  to  exert  almost  an  equal  force 
in  the  opposite  direction.  They  do  not  consider  how 
apt  this  principle  is,  even  in  the  case  of  those  who 
move  in  a  contracted  sphere,  to  fill  us  with  vain  con- 
ceits and  vicious  passions ;  and  above  all,  how  it 
tends  to  fix  the  afTections  on  earthly  things,  and  to 
steal  away  the  heart  from  God.  They  acknowledge 
it  to  be  criminal  when  it  produces  mischievous  ef- 
fects, but  forget  how  apt  it  is,  by  the  substitution  of 
a  false  and  corrupt  motive,  to  vitiate  the  purity  of 
our  good  actions,  depriving  them  of  all  which  ren- 
dered them  truly  and  essentially  valuable.  Thai, 
not  to  be  too  hastily  approved,  because  it  takes  the 
side  of  virtue,  it  often  works  her  ruin  while  it  as- 
serts her  cause,  and  like  some  vile  seducer,  pretends 
affection,  only  the  more  surely  to  betray. 

It  is  the  distinguishing  glory  of  Christianity  not 
to  rest  satisfied  with  superficial  appearances,  but  to 
rectify  the  motives  and  purify  the  heart.  The  true 
Christian,  in  obedience  to  the  lessons  of  Scripture, 
no  where  keeps  over  himself  a  more  resolute  and 
jealous  guard,  than  where  the  desire  of  human  esti- 
mation and  distinction  is  in  question.  No  where 
does  he  more  deeply  feel  the  insufficiency  of  his  un- 
assisted strength,  or  more  diligently  and  earnestly 
pray  for  Divine  assistance.    He  may  well  indeed 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  175 

watch  and  pray  against  the  encroachments  of  a  pas- 
sion, which,  when  suffered  to  transgress  its  just 
limits,  discovers  a  peculiar  hostility  to  the  distin- 
guishing graces  of  the  Christian  temper ;  a  passion 
which  must  insensibly  acquire  force,  because  it  is  in 
continual  exercise ;  to  which  almost  every  thing 
without  administers  nutriment,  and  the  growth  of 
which  within  is  favored  and  cherished  by  such 
powerful  auxiliaries  as  pride  and  selfishness,  the 
natural  and  perhaps  inexterminable  inhabitants  of 
the  human  heart ;  of  which  the  predominance,  if  es- 
tablished, is  thus  so  pernicious,  and  which  possesses 
so  many  advantages  for  effecting  its  establishment. 
Strongly  impressed  therefore  with  a  sense  of  the 
indispensable  necessity  of  guarding  against  the  pro- 
gress of  this  encroaching  principle,  in  humble  reli- 
ance on  superior  aid,  the  true  Christian  thankfully 
uses  the  means,  and  habitually  exercises  himself  in 
the  considerations  and  motives  suggested  to  him  for 
that  purpose  by  the  word  of  God.  He  is  much  occu- 
pied in  searching  out  his  own  infirmities.  He  endea- 
vors to  acquire  and  maintain  a  just  conviction  of  his 
great  unworthiness ;  and  to  keep  m-.continual  re- 
membrance, that  whatever  distinguishes  himself  from 
others,  is  not  properly  his  own,  but  that  he  is  alto- 
gether indebted  for  it  to  the  undeserved  bounty  of 
Heaven.  He  dili^ntly  endeavors,  also,  habitually 
to  preserve  a  just  sense  of  the  real  worth  of  human 
distinction  and  applause,  knowing  that  he  shall  covet 


176  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

them  less  when  he  has  learned  not  to  overrate  their 
value.  He  labors  to  bear  in  mind  how  undeservedly 
they  are  often  bestowed,  how  precariously  they  are 
always  possessed.  The  censures  of  good  men  justly 
render  him  suspicious  of  himself,  and  prompt  him 
carefully  and  impartially  to  examine  into  those  parts 
of  his  character,  or  those  particulars  of  his  conduct, 
which  have  drawn  on  him  their  animadversions. 
The  favorable  opinion  and  the  praises  of  good  men 
are  justly  acceptable  to  him.  But,  even  in  the  case 
of  their  commendations,  he  suffers  not  himself  to  be 
beguiled  into  an  over-valuation  of  them,  lest  he  should 
be  led  to  substitute  them  in  the  place  of  conscience. 
He  guards  against  this  by  reflecting  how  indistinctly 
we  can  discern  each  other's  motives,  how  little  enter 
into  each  other's  circumstances ;  how  mistaken  there- 
fore may  be  the  judgments  formed  of  us,  or  of  our  ac- 
tions, even  by  good  men ;  and  that  it  is  far  from  im- 
probable that  we  may  at  some  time  be  compelled  to 
forfeit  their  esteem,  by  adhering  to  the  dictates  of  our 
own  consciences. 

But  if  he  endeavors  thus  to  sit  loose  to  the  favor 
and  applause  even  of  good  men,  much  more  does  he 
to  those  of  the  world  at  large:  not  but  that  he  is  sen- 
sible of  their  worth  as  means  and  instruments  of  use- 
fulness and  influence ;  and  under  the  limitations  and 
for  the  ends  allowed  in  Scripture,  he  is  glad  to  pos- 
sess, observant  to  acquire,  and  careful  to  retain  them. 
He  considers  them,  however,  as  desirable,  not  simply 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  177 

m  their  possession,  but  in  their  use.  In  this  view,  he 
holds  himself  to  be  responsible  for  that  share  of  them 
which  he  enjoys,  and  as  bound  not  to  let  them  lie 
unemployed ;  not  to  lavish  them  ;  not  imprudently  to 
misapply  them  ;  but  as  under  an  obligation  to  regard 
them  as  conferred  on  him,  that  they  might  be  brought 
into  action,  and  as  what  therefore  he  may  by  no  means 
throw  away,  though  ready,  if  it  be  required,  to  re- 
linquish them  with  cheerfulness ;  and  never  feeling 
himself  at  liberty,  in  consideration  of  the  use  he  in- 
tends to  make  of  them,  to  acquire  or  retain  them  un- 
lawfully. 

Acting  therefore  on  these  principles,  he  will  stu- 
diously and  diligently  use  any  degree  of  worldly 
credit  he  may  enjoy,  in  removing  or  lessening  pre- 
judices ;  in  conciliating  good  will,  and  thereby  mak- 
ing v/ay  for  the  less  obstructed  progress  of  truth ; 
and  in  providing  for  its  being  entertained  by  those 
who  would  bar  all  access  against  it  in  a  rougher  or 
more  homely  form.  He  will  make  it  his  business 
to  set  on  foot  and  forward  benevolent  and  useful 
schemes ;  and  where  they  require  united  efforts,  to 
obtain  and  preserve  for  them  this  co-operation.  He 
will  endeavor  to  discountenance  vice,  to  bring  mo- 
dest merit  into  notice  ;  to  lend  as  it  were  his  light  to 
men  of  real  worth,  but  of  less  creditable  name,  and 
perhaps  of  less  conciliating  qualities  and  manners. 
But  while  he  strives  to  render  his  reputation,  so  long 
as  he  possesses  it,  subservient  to  advancing  the  cause 


178  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

of  religion  and  virtue,  and  promoting  the  happiness 
and  comfort  of  mankind,  he  will  not  transgress  the 
rule  of  the  scripture  precepts  in  order  to  obtain,  to 
cultivate,  or  to  preserve  it,  resolutely  disclaiming  that 
dangerous  sophistry  of  "  doing  evil  that  good  may 
come."    Ready  to  relinquish  his  reputation  when  re 
quired  so  to  do,  he  will  not  throw  it  away ;  and  so 
far  as  he  allowably  may,  he  will  avoid  occasions  of 
diminishing  it,  instead  of  studiously  seeking,  or  need- 
lessly multiplying  them,  as  is  sometimes  the  prac- 
tice of  worthy  but  imprudent  men.    There  will  be  no 
capricious  humors,  no  selfish  tempers,  no  morose- 
ness,  no  discourtesy,  no  affected  severity  of  deport- 
ment, no  peculiarity  of  language,  no  indolent  neglect, 
or  wanton  breach  of  the  ordinary  forms  or  fashions 
of  society.    His  reputation,  if  sacrificed  at  all,  shall 
be  sacrificed  at  the  call  of  duty.    The  world  shall  be 
constrained  to  allow  him  to  be  amiable,  as  well  as 
respectable  ;  though,  in  what  regards  religion,  they 
may  account  him  unreasonably  precise  and  strict. 
He  will  endeavor  to  reduce  the  enemies  of  religion, 
to  adopt  the  confession  of  the  accusers  of  the  Jewish 
ruler,  "We  shall  not  find  any  fault  or  occasion  against 
this  Daniel — except  concerning  the  law  of  his  God:" 
and  if  he  fall  into  disesteem,  it  shall  not  be  chargeable 
to  any  conduct  which  is  justly  dishonorable,  but  to  the 
false  standard  of  estimation  of  a  misjudgmg  world. 
When  his  character  is  thus  mistaken,  or  his  conduct 
thus  misconstrued,  he  will  not  wrap  himself  up  in  a 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  179 

mysterious  sullenness;  but  will  be  ready  to  clear  up 
what  has  been  dubious,  to  explain  what  has  been  im- 
perfectly known,  and  "  speaking-  the  truth  in  love," 
to  correct  erroneous  impressions.  He  may  sometimes 
feel  it  his  duty  publicly  to  vindicate  his  character 
from  unjust  reproach,  and  to  repel  false  charges  ;  but 
he  will  carefully  watch  against  being  led  away  by 
pride,  or  being  betrayed  into  some  breach  of  truth  or 
of  christian  charity,  when  he  is  treading  in  a  path  so 
dangerous.  At  such  a  time  he  will  also  guard  against 
any  undue  solicitude  about  his  worldly  reputation  for 
its  own  sake ;  and  when  he  has  done  what  duty  re- 
quires for  its  vindication,  it  will  be  matter  of  no  very 
deep  concern  to  him  if  his  endeavors  should  have 
been  ineffectual.  If  good  men  in  every  age  and  na- 
tion have  been  often  unjustly  calumniated  and  dis- 
graced, and  if,  in  such  circumstances,  even  the  dark- 
ness of  paganism  has  been  able  contentedly  to  re- 
pose itself  on  the  consciousness  of  innocence,  shall 
one  who  is  cheered  by  the  Christian's  hope,  who  is 
assured,  also,  that  a  day  will  shortly  come,  in  which 
whatever  is  secret  shall  be  made  manifest,  and  the 
mistaken  judgments  of  men,  perhaps  even  of  good 
men,  being  corrected,  that  "  he  shall  then  have  praise 
of  God  ;"  shall  such  a  one  sink  ?"  shall  he  even  bend 
or  droop  under  such  a  trial  ?  They  might  be  more 
excusable  in  over-valuing  human  reputation  to  whom 
all  beyond  the  grave  was  dark  and  cheerless. 
They  also  might  be  more  easily  pardoned  for  pursu- 


180  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

ing  with  eagerness  and  solicitude  that  glory  which 
might  survive  them,  thus  seeking  as  it  were  to  ex 
tend  the  narrow  span  of  their  earthly  existence:  but 
far  different  is  our  case,  to  whom  these  clouds  are 
rolled  away,  and  '*  life  and  immortality  brought  to 
light  by  the  Gospel."  Not  but  that  worldly  favor 
and  distinction  are  amongst  the  best  things  this 
world  has  to  offer :  but  the  Christian  knows  it  is  the 
very  condition  of  his  calling,  not  to  have  his  portion 
here ;  and  as  in  the  case  of  any  other  earthly  enjoy- 
ments, so  in  that  also  of  worldly  honor,  he  dreads, 
lest  his  supreme  affections  being  thereby  gratified,  it 
should  be  hereafter  said  to  him,  "  Remember  that 
thou  in  thy  lifetime  receivedst  thy  good  things." 

He  is  required  by  his  holy  calling  to  be  victorious 
over  the  world ;  and  to  this  victory,  the  conquest  of  the 
dread  of  its  disesteem  and  dishonor  is  essentially  and 
indispensably  required.  He  reflects  on  those  holy  men 
who  "  had  trial  of  cruel  mockings ;"  he  remembers 
that  our  blessed  Savior  himself  "was  despised  and 
rejected  of  men  ;"  and  what  is  he,  that  he  should  be 
exempted  from  the  common  lot,  or  think  it  much  to 
bear  the  scandal  of  his  profession  1  If  therefore  he  is 
creditable  and  popular,  he  considers  this,  if  the  phrase 
may  be  pardoned,  as  something  beyond  his  bargain  ; 
and  he  watches  himself  with  double  care,  lest  he 
should  grow  over-fond  of  what  he  may  be  shortly 
called  upon  to  relinquish.  He  meditates  often  on  the 
probability  of  his  being  involved  in  such  circum- 


ESTIMATION-  AND  APPLArSE.        181 

Stances  as  may  render  it  necessary  for  him  to  Bub- 
ject  himself  to  the  disgrace  and  obloquy  of  the  world  ; 
thus  familiarizing  himself  with  them  betimes,  and 
preparmg  himself,  that  when  the  trying  hour  arrives 
they  may  not  take  him  unawares. 

But  the  cultivation  of  the  desire  of  "  that  honor 
which  cometh  from  God,"  he  finds  the  most  effectual 
means  of  bringing  his  mind  into  a  proper  temper,  in 
what  regards  the  love  of  human  approbation.  Chris- 
tian !  wouldst  thou  indeed  reduce  this  affection  un- 
der just  control — sursum  cor  da  !  lift  up  your  heart ! 
rise  on  the  wings  of  contemplation,  until  the  praises 
and  the  censures  of  men  die  away  upon  the  ear,  and 
the  still  small  voice  of  conscience  is  no  longer 
drowned  by  the  din  of  this  nether  world.  Here  the 
sight  is  apt  to  be  occupied  with  earthly  objects,  and 
the  hearing  to  be  engrossed  with  earthly  sounds ; 
but  there  thou  shalt  come  within  the  view  of  that  re- 
splendent and  incorruptible  crown  which  is  held 
forth  to  thy  acceptance  in  the  realms  of  light,  and 
thine  ear  shall  be  regaled  with  heavenly  melody ! 
Here  we  dwell  in  a  variable  atmosphere — the  pros- 
pect is  at  one  time  darkened  by  the  gloom  of  dis- 
grace, and  at  another  the  eye  is  dazzled  by  the 
gleamings  of  glory:  but  thou  hast  now  ascended 
above  this  inconstant  region ;  no  storms  agitate,  no 
clouds  obscure  the  air,  and  the  lightnings  play  and 
the  thunders  roll  beneath  thee. 

Thus,  at  chosen  seasons,  the  Christian  exercises 
16 


182  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

iiimself;  and  when,  from  this  elevated  region,  he 
descends  into  the  plain  below,  and  mixes  in  the  bus- 
tle of  life,  he  still  retains  the  impressions  of  his  more 
retired  hours.  By  these  he  realizes  to  himself  the 
unseen  world :  he  accustoms  himself  to  speak  and 
act  as  in  the  presence  of  *'  an  innumerable  company 
of  angels,  and  of  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect, 
and  of  God  the  Judge  of  all ;"  the  consciousness  of 
their  approbation  cheers  and  gladdens  his  soul  un- 
der the  scoffs  and  reproaches  of  a  misjudging  world, 
and  to  his  delighted  ear  their  united  praises  form  a 
harmony  which  a  few  discordant  earthly  voices  can- 
not interrupt. 

But  though  the  Christian  is  sometimes  enabled 
thus  to  triumph  over  the  inordinate  love  of  hu- 
man applause,  he  does  not  therefore  deem  him- 
self secure  from  its  encroachments.  On  the  con- 
trary, he  is  aware,  so  strong  and  active  is  its  princi- 
ple of  vitality,  that  even  where  it  seems  extinct,  let 
but  circumstances  favor  its  revival,  and  it  will  spring 
forth  again  in  renewed  vigor.  And  as  his  watch 
must  thus,  during  life,  know  no  termination,  because 
the  enemy  will  ever  be  at  hand ;  so  it  must  be  the 
more  close  and  vigilant,  because  he  is  nowhere  free 
from  danger,  but  is  on  every  side  open  to  attack. 
*•  Sume  superbiam  qucesitam  mentis^  was  the  maxim 
of  a  worldly  moralist :  but  the  Christian  is  aware 
that  he  is  particularly  assailable  where  he  really  ex- 
cels ;  there  he  is  in  especial  danger  lest  his  motives, 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  183 

originally  pure,  being  insensibly  corrupted,  he 
should  be  betrayed  into  anxiety  about  worldly  favor, 
when  he  is  endeavoring  to  render  his  virtue  amiable 
and  respected  in  the  eyes  of  others,  and  in  obedience 
to  the  Scripture  injunction,  is  willing  to  let  his  "  light 
so  shine  before  men,  that  they  may  see  his  good 
works,  and  glorify  his  Father  which  is  in  heaven." 

He  watches  himself  also  on  small  as  well  as  on 
great  occasions:  the  latter  indeed,  in  the  case  of 
many  persons,  can  hardly  ever  be  expected  to  occur, 
whereas  the  former  are  continually  presenting  them- 
selves ;  and  thus,  whilst  they  may  be  rendered  highly 
useful  in  forming  and  strengthening  a  just  habit  of 
mind  in  the  particular  in  question,  so  they  are  the 
means  most  at  hand  for  enabling  us  to  discover  our 
own  real  character.  Let  not  this  be  slightly  passed 
over.  If  any  one  finds  himself  shrinking  from  dis- 
repute or  disesteem  in  little  instances,  but  apt  to  so- 
lace himself  with  the  persuasion  that  his  spirits  be- 
ing fully  called  forth  to  the  encounter,  he  could  boldly 
stand  the  brunt  of  sharper  trials ;  let  him  be  slow  to 
give  entertainment  to  so  beguiling  a  suggestion;  and 
let  him  not  forget  that  these  little  instances,  where 
no  credit  is  to  be  got,  and  the  vainest  can  find  small 
room  for  self-complacency,  furnish  perhaps  the  truest 
tests  whether  we  are  ashamed  of  the  Gospel  of 
Christ,  and  are  willing,  on  principles  really  pure,  to 
bear  reproach  for  the  name  of  Jesus. 

TJie  Christian,  too,  i$  w^ll  a»'are  that  the  exce»« 


184  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

sive  desire  of  human  approbation  is  a  passion  of  so 
subtile  a  nature  that  there  is  nothing  into  which  it 
cannot  penetrate ;  and  from  much  experience,  learn- 
ing to  discover  it  where  it  would  lurk  unseen,  and 
to  detect  it  under  its  most  specious  disguises,  he 
finds  that  it  is  apt  to  insinuate  itself  into  his  very 
religion.  Proud  piety  and  ostentatious  charity,  and 
all  the  more  open  effects  it  there  produces,  have  been 
often  condemned,  and  we  may  discover  the  tendencies 
to  them  in  ourselves,  without  difficulty.  But  let  not 
the  Christian  suffer  himself  to  be  deceived  by  any 
external  dissimilitudes  between  himself  and  the 
world  around  him,  trusting  perhaps  to  the  sincerity 
of  the  principle  to  which  they  originally  owed  their 
rise  ;  but  let  him  beware  lest,  through  the  insensible 
encroachments  of  the  subtile  usurper,  his  religion 
should  at  length  have  "only  a  name  to  live;"  lest 
he  should  be  mainly  preserved  in  his  religious 
course  by  the  dread  of  incurring  the  charge  of  levi- 
ty for  quitting  a  path  on  which  he  had  deliberately 
entered.  Or  where,  on  a  strict  and  impartial  scrutiny 
of  his  governing  motives,  he  may  fairly  conclude 
this  not  to  be  the  case,  let  him  beware  lest  he  be  in 
fluenced  by  this  principle  in  particular  parts  of  his 
character,  and  especially  where  any  external  singu- 
larities are  in  question  ;  closely  scrutinizing  his  ap- 
parent motives,  lest  he  should  be  prompted  to  his 
more  than  ordinary  religious  observances,  and  be 
kept  from  participating  in  the  licentious  pleasures 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  185 

of  a  dissipated  age,  not  so  much  by  a  vigorous  prin- 
ciple of  internal  holiness,  as  by  a  fear  of  lessening 
himself  in  the  good  opinion  of  the  stricter  circle  of 
his  associates,  or  of  suffering  even  in  the  estimation 
of  the  world  at  large,  by  violating  the  proprieties  of 
his  assumed  character. 

To  those  who,  in  this  important  particular,  wish  to 
conform  themselves  to  the  injunctions  of  the  word  of 
God,  we  must  advise  a  laborious  watchfulness,  a 
jealous  guard,  a  close  and  frequent  scrutiny  of  their 
own  hearts,  that  they  may  not  too  late  find  them- 
selves to  have  been  mistaken  as  to  what  they  had 
conceived  to  be  their  governing  motives.  Above  all, 
let  them  labor,  with  humble  prayers  for  the  Divine 
assistance,  to  fix  in  themselves  a  deep,  habitual,  and 
practical  sense  of  the  excellence  of  "that  honor 
which  Cometh  from  God,"  and  of  the  comparative 
worthlessness  of  all  earthly  estimation  and  pre-emi- 
nence. In  truth,  unless  the  affections  of  the  soul  be 
thus  predominantly  engaged  on  the  side  of  heaven- 
ly, in  preference  to  that  of  human  honor,  though  we 
may  have  relinquished  the  pursuit  of  fame,  we  shall 
not  have  acquired  that  firm  contexture  of  mind  which 
can  bear  disgrace  and  shame.  Between  these  two 
states  there  is  a  wide  interval,  and  he  who  finds  rea- 
son to  believe  he  has  arrived  at  the  one,  must  not 
therefore  conclude  he  has  reached  the  other.  To 
the  one,  a  little  natural  moderation  and  quietness  of 
temper  may  be  sufficient  to  conduct  us ;  but  to  the 
1$* 


186  ON    THE    DESIRE    OF    HUMAN 

Other  we  can  only  attain  by  much  discipline  and 
slow  advances ;  and  we  shall  often  find  reason  to 
confess,  in  the  hour  of  trial,  that  we  had  greatly,  far 
too  greatly,  overrated  our  progress. 

When  engaged,  too,  in  the  prosecution  of  this 
course,  we  must  be  aware  of  the  snares  which  lie  in 
our  way,  and  of  the  deceits  to  which  we  are  liable ; 
and  we  must  be  provided  against  these  impositions, 
by  having  obtained  a  full  and  distinct  conception  of 
the  temper  of  mind,  with  regard  to  human  favor, 
which  is  prescribed  to  us  in  Scripture  ;  and  by  con- 
tinually examining  our  hearts  and  lives,  to  ascertain 
how  far  they  correspond  with  it.  This  will  prevent 
our  substituting  contemplation  in  the  place  of  action, 
to  the  neglect  of  the  common  duties  of  life  ;  this  will 
prevent  our  mistaking  the  gratification  of  an  indo- 
lent temper  for  the  Christian's  disregard  of  fame ; 
for  never  let  it  be  forgotten,  we  must  deserve  estima- 
tion, though  we  may  not  possess  it ;  forcing  men  of 
the  world  to  acknowledge  that  we  do  not  want  their 
boasted  spring  of  action  ;  but  that  its  place  is  better 
supplied  to  us  by  another,  which  produces  all  the 
good  of  theirs  without  its  evil ;  thus  demonstrating 
the  superiority  of  the  principle  which  animates  us, 
by  the  superior  utility  and  excellence  of  its  effects. 
This  principle,  in  order  to  be  pure  and  genuine, 
though  nerved  with  more  than  mortal  firmness,  must 
be  sweetened  by  love,  and  tempered  with  humility. 
The  former  of  these  qualities  will  render  us  kind, 


ESTIMATION    AND    APPLAUSE.  187 

friendly,  and  beneficent,  preventing  our  being  no 
longer  on  the  watch  to  promote  the  happiness  or 
comfort  of  others,  than  whilst  we  are  stimulated  by 
the  desire  of  their  applause ;  the  produce  of  which 
passion,  whatever  may  be  vaunted  of  its  effects  on 
social  intercourse,  is  often  nothing  better  than  selfish- 
ness, ill  concealed  under  a  superficial  covering  of 
exterior  courtesy. 

Humility,  again,  reducing  us  in  our  own  value, 
will  moderate  our  claims  on  worldly  estimation.  It 
will  check  our  tendency  to  ostentation  and  display, 
prompting  us  rather  to  avoid  than  to  attract  notice. 
It  will  dispose  us  to  sit  down  in  quiet  obscurity, 
though,  judging  ourselves  impartiallj%  we  believe 
ourselves  better  entitled  to  credit  than  those  on 
whom  it  is  conferred ;  closing  the  entrance  against 
a  proud,  painful,  and  malignant  passion;  from  which, 
under  such  circumstances,  we  can  otherwise  be  hard- 
ly free,  the  passion  of  "  high  disdain  from  sense  of 
injured  merit." 

Love  and  humility  will  concur  in  producing  a 
frame  of  mind  not  more  distinct  from  an  ardent 
thirst  of  glory,  than  from  that  frigid  disregard,  or  in- 
solent contempt,  or  ostentatious  renunciation  of  hu- 
man favor  and  distinction,  which  we  have  some- 
times seen  opposed  to  it.  These  latter  qualities  may 
not  unfrequently  be  traced  to  a  slothful,  sensual,  and 
selfish  temper  ;  to  the  consciousness  of  being  unequal 
to  any  great  and  generous  attempts ;  to  the  disap- 


188  ON    THE    DESIRE,    &c. 

pointment  of  schemes  of  ambition  or  of  glory ;  to  a 
little  personal  experience  of  the  world's  capricious 
and  inconstant  humor.  The  renunciation  in  these 
cases,  however  sententious,  is  often  far  from  sincere ; 
and  it  is  even  made  not  unfrequently  with  a  view  to 
the  attainment  of  that  very  distinction  which  it  affects 
to  disclaim.  In  some  other  of  these  instances,  the 
over-valuation  and  inordinate  desire  of  worldly 
credit,  however  disavowed,  are  abundantly  evident, 
from  the  merit  which  is  assumed  for  relinquishing 
them ;  or  from  that  sour  and  surly  humor,  which 
betrays  a  gloomy  and  a  corroded  mind,  galled  and 
fretting  under  the  irritating  sense  of  the  want  of  that 
which  it  most  wishes  to  possess. 

But  the  Christian's  is  a  far  different  temper :  not 
a  temper  of  sordid  sensuality,  or  lazy  apathy,  or  dog- 
matizing pride,  or  disappointed  ambition :  more  truly 
independent  of  worldly  estimation  than  philosophy 
with  all  her  boasts,  it  forms  a  perfect  contrast  to  epi- 
curean selfishness,  to  stoical  pride,  and  to  cynical 
brutality.  It  is  a  temper  compounded  of  firmness,  and 
complacency,  and  peace,  and  love ;  manifesting  itself 
in  acts  of  kindness  and  of  courtesy;  a  kindness  not 
pretended,  but  genuine ;  a  courtesy  not  false  and  su- 
perficial, but  cordial  and  sincere.  In  the  hour  of  po- 
pularity it  is  not  intoxicated  or  insolent ;  in  the  hour 
of  unpopularity  it  is  not  desponding  or  morose ;  un- 
shaken in  constancy,  unwearied  in  benevolence,  firm 
without  roughness,  and  assiduous  without  servility. 


AMIABLE    TEMPERS,    Ac.  189 

SECTION    IV. 

l^he  generally  prevailing  error,  of  substituting  amiable  tempers 
and  useful  lives  in  the  place  of  rcligio7i,  stated  and  confuted  ; 
with  hints  to  real  Christians. 

There  is  another  practical  error  very  generally 
prevalent,  the  effects  of  which  are  highly  injurious 
to  the  cause  of  religion ;  and  which  in  particular  is 
often  brought  forward,  when,  upon  Christian  princi- 
ples, any  advocates  for  Christianity  would  press  the 
practice  of  Christian  virtues. 

The  error  in  question  is  that  of  exaggerating  the 
merit  of  certain  amiable  and  useful  qualities,  and  of 
considering  them  as  sufficient  to  compensate  for  the 
want  of  the  supreme  love  and  fear  of  God. 

It  seems  to  be  an  opinion  pretty  generally  preva- 
lent, that  kindness  and  sweetness  of  temper ;  sym- 
pathizing, and  benevolent,  and  generous  affections ; 
attention  to  what,  in  the  world's  estimation,  are  the 
domestic,  relative  and  social  duties ;  and,  above  all,  a 
life  of  general  activity  and  usefulness,  may  well  be 
allowed,  in  our  imperfect  state,  to  make  up  for  the 
defect  of  what  in  strict  propriety  of  speech  is  termed 
religion. 

Many  indeed  will  unreservedly  declare,  and  more 
will  hint  the  opinion,  that  "  the  difference  between 
the  qualities  above  mentioned  and  religion,  is  rather 
a  verbal  or  logical,  than  a  real  and  essential  differ- 
ence ;  for  in  truth,  what  are  they  but  religion  in  sub- 


190  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

Stance,  if  not  in  name  ?  Is  it  not  the  great  end  of  re- 
ligion, and  in  particular  the  glory  of  Christianity,  to 
extinguish  the  malignant  passions  ;  to  curb  the  vio- 
lence, to  control  the  appetites,  and  to  smooth  the  as- 
perities of  man ;  to  make  us  compassionate,  and  kind, 
and  forgiving,  one  to  another  ;  to  make  us  good  hus- 
bands, good  fathers,  good  friends ;  and  to  render  us 
active  and  useful  in  the  discharge  of  the  relative,  so- 
cial, and  civil  duties  ?  We  do  not  deny,  that  in  the 
general  mass  of  society,  and  particularly  in  the  low- 
er orders,  such  conduct  and  tempers  cannot  be  dif- 
fused and  maintained  by  any  other  medium  than 
that  of  religion.  But  if  the  end  be  effected,  surely  it 
is  only  unnecessary  refinement  to  dispute  about  the 
means.  It  is  even  to  forget  your  own  principles, 
and  to  refuse  its  just  place  to  solid,  practical  virtue, 
while  you  assign  too  high  a  value  to  speculative 
opinions." 

Thus  a  fatal  distinction  is  admitted  between  mo- 
rality and  religion — a  great  and  desperate  error,  of 
which  it  is  the  more  necessary  to  take  notice,  be- 
cause many  who  would  condemn,  as  too  strong,  the 
language  in  which  this  opinion  is  sometimes  openly 
avowed,  are  yet  more  or  less  tinctured  with  the  no- 
tion itself;  and  under  the  habitual  and  almost  un- 
perceived  influence  of  this  beguiling  suggestion,  are 
vainly  solacing  their  imaginations,  and  repressing 
their  well-grounded  fears  concerning  their  own  state; 
and  are  also  quieting  their  just  solicitude  concerning 


USEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  191 

the  spiritual  condition  of  others,  and  soothing  them- 
selves in  the  neglect  of  friendly  endeavors  for  their 
improvement. 

There  can  hardly  be  a  stronger  proof  of  the  curso- 
ry and  superficial  views  with  which  men  are  apt  to 
satisfy  themselves  in  religious  concerns,  than  the 
prevalence  of  the  opinion  here  in  question ;  the  false- 
hood and  sophistry  of  which  must  be  acknowledged 
by  any  one  who,  admitting  the  authority  of  Scripture, 
will  examine  it  with  ever  so  little  seriousness  and 
impartiality  of  mind. 

Appealing  even  to  a  less  strict  standard,  it  would 
not  be  difficult  to  show  that  the  moral  worth  of  these 
sweet  and  benevolent  tempers,  and  of  these  useful 
lives,  is  greatly  overrated.  The  former  involuntarily 
gain  upon  our  affections,  and  disarm  our  severer 
judgments,  by  their  kindly  complying,  and  apparent- 
ly disinterested  nature ;  by  their  prompting  men  to 
flatter  instead  of  mortifying  our  pride,  to  sympathize 
either  with  our  joys  or  our  sorrows,  to  abound  in 
obliging  attentions  and  offices  of  courtesy ;  by  their 
obvious  tendency  to  produce  and  maintain  harmony 
and  comfort  in  social  and  domestic  life.  It  is  not 
however  unworthy  of  remark,  that  from  the  commen- 
dations generally  bestowed  on  these  qualities,  and 
their  rendering  men  universally  acceptable  and  po- 
pular, there  is  many  a  false  pretender  to  them,  who 
gains  a  credit  for  them  which  he  by  no  means  de- 
serves •  in  whom  they  are  no  more  than  the  proprie- 


192  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

ties  of  his  assumed  character,  or  worn  in  public  only 
the  belter  to  conceal  an  opposite  temper.  Would  you 
see  this  man  of  courtesy  and  sweetness  stripped  of 
his  false  covering,  follow  him  unobserved  into  his  fa- 
mily, and  you  shall  behold,  too  plain  to  be  mistaken, 
selfishness  and  spleen  harassing  and  vexing  the 
wretched  subjects  of  their  unmanly  tyranny,  as  if 
they  were  making  up  to  themselves  for  the  restraint 
which  had  been  imposed  on  them  in  the  world. 

But  where  the  benevolent  qualities  are  genuine, 
they  often  deserve  the  name  rather  of  amiable  in- 
stincts than  of  moral  virtues.  In  many  cases,  they 
imply  no  mental  conflict,  no  previous  discipline :  they 
are  apt  to  evaporate  in  barren  sensibilities,  and  tran- 
sitory sympathies,  and  indolent  wishes,  and  unpro- 
ductive declarations :  they  possess  not  that  strength 
and  energy  of  character  which,  in  contempt  of  diffi- 
culties and  dangers,  produce  alacrity  in  service,  vi- 
gor and  perseverance  in  action.  Destitute  of  proper 
firmness,  they  often  encourage  that  vice  and  folly 
which  it  is  their  especial  duty  to  repress;  and  it  is 
well  if,  from  their  soft  complying  humor,  they  are  not 
often  drawn  in  to  participate  in  what  is  wrong,  as  well 
as  to  connive  at  it.  Thus  their  possessors  are  fre 
quently,  in  the  eye  of  truth  and  reason,  bad  magis- 
trates, bad  parents,  bad  friends  ;  defective  in  thoso 
very  qualities  which  give  to  each  of  those  several 
relations  its  chief  and  appropriate  value.  And  this 
is  a  defect  v/hich  might  well  bring  into  question  that 


fSEFtTL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  193 

freedom  from  selfishness  which  is  so  often  claimed; 
inasmuch  as  there  is  too  great  reason  to  fear  that  it 
often  arises  in  us  chiefly  from  indisposition  to  submit 
to  a  painful  effort,  though  real  good-will  commands 
the  sacrifice,  or  from  the  fear  of  lessening  the  good 
opinion  -which  is  entertained  of  us. 

These  qualities  also,  when  they  are  not  grounded 
and  rooted  in  religion,  are  of  a  sickly  and  short-lived 
nature,  and  want  that  temperament  which  is  requi- 
site for  enabling  them  to  bear  the  rude  shocks  and 
the  variable  and  churlish  seasons  to  which,  in  such 
a  world  as  this,  they  must  ever  be  exposed.  It  is 
only  a  Christian  love  of  which  it  is  the  character 
that  "it  suffereth  long,  and  yet  is  kind;  that  it  is  not 
easily  provoked ;  that  it  beareth  all  things,  and  en- 
dureth  all  things."  In  the  spring  of  youth,  indeed, 
we  are  flushed  with  health  and  confidence  ;  hope  is 
young  and  ardent,  our  desires  are  unsated,  and  what- 
ever we  see  has  the  grace  of  novelty ;  we  are  the 
more  disposed  to  be  good-natured,  because  we  are 
pleased  ;  pleased,  because  universally  well  received. 
Wherever  we  cast  our  eyes,  we  see  some  face  of 
friendship,  and  love,  and  gratulation:  all  nature 
smiles  around  us.  Now  the  amiable  tempers  of 
which  we  have  been  speaking  naturally  spring  up. 
The  soil  suits,  the  climate  favors  them.  They  ap- 
pear to  shoot  forth  vigorously,  and  blossom  in  gay 
luxuriance.  To  the  superficial  eye,  all  is  fair  and 
flourishing  ;  we  anticipate  the  fruits  of  autumn,  and 
17 


194  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

promise  ourselves  an  ample  produce.  But  by  and 
by  the  sun  scorches,  the  frost  nips,  the  winds  rise, 
the  rains  descend;  all  our  fond  expectations  are  no 
more.  Our  youthful  efforts,  let  it  be  supposed,  have 
been  successful ;  and  we  rise  to  wealth  or  eminence. 
A  kind  flexible  temper  and  popular  manners  have 
produced  in  us,  as  they  are  too  apt,  a  youth  of  easy, 
social  dissipation  and  unproductive  idleness  ;  and 
we  are  overtaken  too  late  by  the  consciousness  of 
having  wasted  that  time  which  cannot  be  recalled, 
and  those  opportunities  which  we  cannot  now  reco- 
ver. We  sink  into  disregard  and  obscurity  when, 
there  being  a  call  for  qualities  of  more  energy,  indo- 
lent good  nature  must  fall  back.  We  ar€  thrust  out 
of  notice  by  accident  or  misfortunes.  We  are  left 
behind  by  those  with  whom  we  started  on  equal 
terms,  and  who,  originally  perhaps  having  less  pre- 
tensions and  fewer  advantages,  have  greatly  out- 
stripped us  in  the  race  of  honor ;  and  their  having 
got  before  us  is  often  the  more  galling,  because  it 
appears  to  us,  and  perhaps  with  reason,  to  have  been 
chiefly  owing  to  a  generous,  easy,  good-natured  hu- 
mor on  our  part,  which  led  us  to  give  place,  without 
a  struggle,  to  their  more  lofty  pretensions.  Thus  we 
suffered  them  quietly  to  occupy  a  station  to  which 
originally  we  had  as  fair  a  claim  as  they  ;  but  our 
awkward  and  vain  endeavors  to  recover  it,  while 
they  show  that  we  want  self  knowledge  and  compo- 
sure in  our  riper  years,  as  much  as  in  our  younger 


USEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  195 

we  had  been  destitute  of  exertion,  serve  only  to  make 
our  inferiority  more  manifest,  and  to  bring  our  dis- 
content into  the  fuller  notice  of  an  ill-natured  world, 
which,  however,  not  unjustly  condemns  and  ridicules 
our  misplaced  ambition. 

It  may  be  sufficient  to  have  hinted  at  a  few  of  the 
vicissitudes  and  changes  of  advancing  life.  Now  the 
bosom  is  no  longer  cheerful  and  placid ;  and  if  the 
countenance  preserve  its  exterior  character,  this  is 
no  longer  the  honest  expression  of  the  heart.  Pros- 
perity and  luxury,  gradually  extinguishing  sympa- 
thy and  puffing  up  with  pride,  harden  and  debase 
the  soul.  In  other  instances,  shame  secretly  clouds, 
and  remorse  begins  to  sting,  and  suspicion  to  corrode, 
and  jealousy  and  envy  to  imbitter.  Disappointed 
hopes,  unsuccessful  competitions,  and  frustrated  pur- 
suits, sour  and  irritate  the  temper.  A  little  personal 
experience  of  the  selfishness  of  mankind  damps  our 
generous  warmth  and  kind  affections  ;  reproving  the 
prompt  sensibility  and  unsuspecting  simplicity  of  our 
earlier  years.  Above  all,  ingratitude  sickens  the 
heart,  and  chills  and  thickens  the  very  life's-blood 
of  benevolence ;  till  at  length  our  youthful  Nero,  soft 
and  susceptible,  becomes  a  hard  and  cruel  tyrant; 
and  our  youthful  Timon,  the  gay,  the  generous,  the 
beneficent,  is  changed  into  a  cold,  sour,  silent  mis- 
anthrope. 

And,  as  in  the  case  of  amiable  tempers,  so  in  that 
also  of  what  are  called  useful  lives,  it  must  be  con- 


196  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

fessed  that  their  intrinsic  worth,  arguing  still  merely 
on  principles  of  reason,  is  apt  to  be  greatly  overrated. 
They  are  often  the  result  of  a  disposition  naturally 
bustling  and  active,  which  delights  in  motion,  and 
finds  its  labor  more  than  repaid,  either  by  the  very 
pleasure  which  it  takes  in  its  employments,  or  by  the 
credit  which  it  derives  from  them.  More  than  this: 
if  it  be  granted  that  religion  tends  in  general  to  pro- 
duce usefulness ;  and  therefore  that  these  irreligious 
men  of  useful  lives  are  rather  exceptions  to  the  gene- 
ral rule ;  it  must  at  least  be  confessed  that  they  are 
60  far  useless,  or  even  positively  mischievous,  as  they 
either  neglect  to  encourage,  or  actually  discourage 
that  principle  which  is  the  great  operative  spring  of 
usefulness  in  the  bulk  of  mankind. 

Thus  it  might  well  perhaps  be  questioned,  esti- 
mating these  men  by  their  own  standard,  whether 
the  particular  good  in  this  case,  is  not  more  than 
counterbalanced  by  the  general  evil ;  still  more,  if 
their  conduct  being  brought  to  a  strict  account,  they 
should  be  charged,  as  they  justly  ought,  with  the  loss 
of  the  good  which,  if  they  had  manifestly  and  avow- 
edly acted  from  a  higher  principle,  might  have  been 
produced,  not  only  directly  in  themselves,  but  indi- 
rectly and  remotely  in  others,  from  the  extended  ef- 
ficacy of  a  religious  example.  They  may  be  com- 
pared to  persons  whom  some  peculiarity  of  constitu- 
tion enables  to  set  at  defiance  those  established  rules 
of  living  which  must  be  observed  by  the  world  at 


USEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  197 

large.  These  healthy  debauchees,  however  they  may 
plead  in  their  defence  that  they  do  themselves  no  in- 
jury, would  probably,  but  for  their  excesses,  have 
both  enjoyed  their  health  better,  and  preserved  it 
longer,  as  well  as  have  turned  it  to  better  account ; 
and  it  may  at  least  be  urged  against  them,  that  they 
disparage  the  laws  of  temperance,  and  fatally  betray 
others  into  the  breach  of  them,  by  affording  an  in- 
stance of  their  being  transgressed  with  impunity. 

But  were  the  merit  of  the  qualities  in  question 
greater  than  it  is,  and  though  it  were  not  liable  to 
the  exceptions  which  have  been  alledged  against  it, 
yet  could  they  be  in  no  degree  admitted  as  a  com- 
pensation for  the  want  of  the  supreme  love  and  fear 
of  God,  and  of  a  predominant  desire  to  promote  his 
glory.  The  observance  of  one  commandment,  how- 
ever clearly  and  forcibly  enjoined,  cannot  make  up  for 
the  neglect  of  another,  which  is  enjoined  with  equal 
clearness  and  equal  force.  To  allow  this  plea  in  the 
present  instance,  would  be  to  permit  men  to  abrogate 
the  first  table  of  the  law,  on  condition  of  their  obey- 
ing the  second.  But  religion  suffers  not  any  such 
composition  of  duties.  It  is  on  the  very  self-same 
miserable  principle  that  .some  have  thought  to  atone 
for  a  life  of  injustice  and  rapine  by  the  strictness  of 
their  religious  observances.  If  the  former  class  of 
men  can  plead  the  diligent  discharge  of  their  duties 
to  their  fellow-creatures,  the  latter  will  urge  that  of 
theirs  to  God.  We  easily  see  the  falsehood  of  the 
17* 


198  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

plea  in  the  latter  case ;  and  it  is  only  self-deceit  and 
partiality  which  prevent  its  being  equally  visible  in 
the  former.  Yet  so  it  is  ;  such  is  the  unequal  mea- 
sure, if  I  may  be  allowed  the  expression,  which  we 
deal  out  to  God,  and  to  each  other.  It  Avould  justly 
and  universally  be  thought  false  confidence  in  the 
religious  thief,  or  the  religious  adulterer,  (to  admit  for 
the  sake  of  argument  such  a  solecism  in  terms,)  to 
solace  himself  with  the  firm  persuasion  of  the  Divine 
favor ;  but  it  will,  to  many,  appear  hard  and  over- 
precise,  to  deny  this  firm  persuasion  of  Divine  ap- 
probation to  the  avowedly  irreligious  man  of  social 
and  domestic  usefulness. 

Will  it  be  urged  here  that  the  waiter  is  not  doing 
justice  to  his  opponent's  argument ;  which  is,  not 
that  irreligious  men  of  useful  lives  may  be  excused 
for  neglecting  their  duties  towards  God,  in  conside- 
ration of  their  exemplary  discharge  of  their  duties 
towards  their  fellow-creatures  ;  but  that  in  perform- 
ing the  latter,  they  perform  the  former  virtually  and 
substantially,  if  not  in  name  ? 

Can  then  our  opponent  deny  that  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures are  in  nothing  more  full,  frequent,  strong,  and 
unequivocal,  than  in  their  injunctions  on  us  supreme- 
ly to  love  and  fear  God,  and  to  worship  and  serve 
him  continually  with  humble  and  grateful  hearts  ; 
habitually  regarding  him  as  our  Benefactor,  and  So- 
vereign, and  Father,  and  abounding  in  sentiments  of 
gratitude,  and  loyalty,  and  respectful  affection  ?    Can 


USEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  199 

he  deny  that  these  positive  precepts  are  rendered,  if 
possible,  still  more  clear,  and  their  authority  still 
more  binding,  by  illustrations  and  indirect  confir- 
mations almost  innumerable?  And  who  then  is  that 
bold  intruder  into  the  council  of  Infinite  Wisdom, 
who,  in  contempt  of  these  precise  commands,  thus 
illustrated  also  and  confirmed,  will  dare  to  maintain 
that,  knowing  the  intention  with  which  they  were 
primarily  given,  and  the  ends  they  were  ultimately 
designed  to  produce,  he  may  innocently  neglect  or 
violate  their  plain  obligations,  on  the  plea  that  he 
conforms  himself,  though  in  a  different  manner,  to 
this  primary  intention,  and  produces,  though  by  dif- 
ferent means,  these  real  and  ultimate  ends  ? 

This  mode  of  arguing  is  one  with  which,  to  say 
nothing  of  its  insolent  profaneness,  the  heart  of  man, 
prone  to  deceive  himself,  and  partial  in  his  own  cause, 
is  not  fit  to  be  trusted.  Here,  again,  more  cautious 
and  jealous  in  the  case  of  our  worldly  than  of  our 
religious  interests,  we  readily  discern  the  fallacy  of 
this  reasoning,  and  protest  against  it,  when  it  is  at- 
tempted to  be  introduced  into  the  commerce  of  life. 
We  see  clearly  that  it  would  afford  the  means  of 
refining  away  by  turns  every  moral  obligation. 
The  adulterer  might  allow  himself,  with  a  good 
conscience,  to  violate  the  bed  of  his  unsuspecting 
friend,  whenever  he  could  assure  himself  that  his 
crime  would  escape  detection  ;  for  then,  where  would 
be  the  evil  and  misery  the  prevention  of  which  was 


200  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

the  real  ultimate  object  of  the  prohibition  of  adultery? 
The  thief,  in  like  manner,  and  even  the  murderer, 
might  find  abundant  room  for  the  innocent  exercise 
of  their  respective  occupations,  arguing  from  the 
primary  intention  and  real  objects  of  the  commands 
by  which  theft  and  murder  were  forbidden.  There 
perhaps  exists  not  a  crime  to  which  this  crooked 
morality  would  not  furnish  some  convenient  opening. 

But  this  miserable  sophistry  deserves  not  that  we 
should  spend  so  much  time  in  the  refutation  of  it. 
To  discern  its  fallaciousness  requires  not  acuteness 
of  understanding  so  much  as  a  little  common  ho- 
nesty. "  There  is  indeed  no  surer  mark  of  a  false 
and  hollow  heart,  than  a  disposition  thus  to  quibble 
away  the  clear  injunctions  of  duty  and  conscience."* 
It  is  the  wretched  resource  of  a  disingenuous  mind, 
endeavoring  to  escape  from  convictions  before  which 
it  cannot  stand,  and  to  evade  obligations  which  it 
dares  not  disavow. 

The  arguments  which  have  been  adduced  would 
surely  be  sufficient  to  disprove  the  extravagant  pre- 
tensions of  the  qualities  under  consideration,  though 
those  qualities  were  perfect  in  their  nature.  But 
they  are  not  perfect.  On  the  contrary,  they  are 
radically  defective  and  corrupt;  they  are  a  body 
without  a  soul ;  they  want  the  vital  actuating  prin- 
ciple, or  rather,  they  are  animated  and  actuated  by 
a   false  one.    Christianity — let  me  avail  myself  of 

♦  Seo  Smith's  Theory  of  Moral  Sentiments. 


USEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  201 

the  very  words  of  a  friend*  in  maintaining  her  ar 
gument — is  "  a  religion  of  motives."  That  only  is 
Christian  practice  which  flows  from  Christian  prin- 
ciples ;  and  none  else  will  be  admitted  as  such  by 
Him  who  will  be  obeyed  as  well  as  worshiped  "  in 
spirit  and  in  truth," 

This  also  is  a  position  of  which,  in  our  intercourse 
with  our  fellow-creatures,  we  clearly  discern  the 
justice,  and  universally  admit  the  force.  Though  we 
have  received  a  benefit  at  the  hands  of  any  one,  we 
scarcely  feel  grateful  if  we  do  not  believe  the  inten- 
tion towards  us  to  have  been  friendly.  Have  we 
served  any  one  from  motives  of  kindness,  and  is  a 
return  of  service  made  to  us  ?  We  hardly  feel  our- 
selves worthily  requited,  except  that  return  be  dic- 
tated by  gratitude.  We  should  think  ourselves  rather 
injured  than  obliged  by  it,  if  it  were  merely  prompted 
by  a  proud  unwillingness  to  continue  in  our  debt.f 
What  husband,  or  what  father,  not  absolutely  dead 
to  every  generous  feeling,  would  be  satisfied  with  a 
wife  or  a  child,  who,  though  he  could  not  charge 
them  with  any  actual  breach  of  their  respective  ob- 
ligations, should  yet  confessedly  perform  them  from 
a  cold  sense  of  duty,  in  place  of  the  quickening 
energies  of  conjugal  and  filial  aflJection?  What  an 

♦  The  writer  hopes  that  the  work  to  which  he  is  referring 
is  so  well  known,  that  he  needs  scarcely  name  Mrs.  H. 
More. 

t  See  Smitli's  Theory  of  Moral  Sentiments. 


202  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

insult  would  it  be  to  such  a  one,  to  tell  him  gravely 
that  he  had  no  reason  to  complain ! 

The  unfairness  with  which  we  suffer  ourselves 
to  reason  in  matters  of  religion,  is  no  where  more 
striking  than  in  the  instance  before  us.  It  were  per- 
naps  not  unnatural  to  suppose  that,  as  we  have  no 
sure  way  of  judging  any  one's  internal  principles 
but  by  his  external  actions,  it  would  have  grown 
into  an  established  rule,  that  when  the  latter  were 
unobjectionable,  the  former  were  not  to  be  question- 
ed ;  and  on  the  other  hand,  that  in  reference  to  a  Be- 
ing who  searches  the  heart,  our  motives,  rather  than 
our  external  actions,  would  be  granted  to  be  the  just 
objects  of  inquiry.  But  we  exactly  reverse  these 
natural  principles  of  reasoning.  In  the  case  of  our 
fellow-creatures,  the  motive  is  that  which  we  prin- 
cipally inquire  after  and  regard.  But  in  the  case  of 
our  Supreme  Judge,  from  whom  no  secrets  are  hid, 
we  suffer  ourselves  to  believe  that  internal  principles 
may  be  dispensed  with,  if  the  external  action  be 
performed ! 

Let  us  not  however  be  supposed  ready  to  concede, 
in  contradiction  to  what  has  been  formerly  contend- 
ed, that  where  the  true  motive  is  wanting,  the  ex- 
ternal actions  themselves  will  not  generally  betray 
the  defect.  Who  will  not  confess  in  the  instance  so 
lately  put,  of  a  wife  and  a  child  who  should  dis- 
charge their  respective  obligations  merely  from  a 
cold  sense  of  duty,  that  the  inferiority  of  their  ac- 


rSEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  203 

tuating  principle  would  not  be  confined  to  its  nature, 
but  would  be  discoverable  also  in  its  effects  ?  Who 
does  not  feel  that  these  domestic  services,  thus  robbed 
of  their  vital  spirit,  would  be  so  debased  and  de- 
graded in  our  estimation,  as  to  become  not  barely 
lifeless  and  uninteresting,  but  even  distasteful  and 
loathsome  ?  Who  will  deny  that  these  would  be  per- 
formed in  fuller  measure,  with  more  wakeful  and 
unwearied  attention,  as  well  as  with  more  heart ; 
where,  with  the  same  sense  of  duty,  the  enlivening 
principle  of  affection  should  be  also  associated? 

The  enemies  of  religion  are  sometimes  apt  to 
compare  the  irreligious  man,  of  a  temper  naturally 
sweet  and  amiable,  with  the  religious  man  of  natural 
roughness  and  severity ;  the  irreligious  man  of  na- 
tural activity,  with  the  religious  man  who  is  naturally 
indolent;  and  thence  to  draw  their  inferences.  But 
this  mode  of  reasoning  is  surely  unjust.  If  they 
would  argue  the  question  fairly,  they  should  make 
their  comparisons  between  persons  of  similar  natural 
qualities,  not  in  one  or  two  examples,  but  in  a  mass 
of  instances.  They  would  then  be  compelled  to  con- 
fess the  efficacy  of  religion  in  heightening  the  bene- 
volence and  increasing  the  usefulnesss  of  men ;  and 
to  admit  that,  granting  the  occasional,  but  rare  exist- 
ence of  genuine  and  persevering  benevolence  of  dis- 
position and  usefulness  of  life  \vhere  the  religious 
principle  is  wanting,  yet  that  experience  gives  us 
reason  to  believe  that  true  religion,  while  it  would 


204  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

have  implanted  these  qualities  in  persons  in  whom 
before  they  had  no  place,  would  have  rendered  the 
amiable  more  amiable,  the  useful  more  useful,  with 
fewer  inconsistencies,  with  less  abatement. 

Let  true  Christians  meanwhile  be  ever  mmdful 
that  they  are  loudly  called  upon  to  make  this  argu- 
ment still  more  clear,  these  positions  still  less  ques- 
tionable. You  are  every  where  commanded  to  be 
tender  and  sympathetic,  diligent  and  useful ;  and  it 
is  the  character  of  that  '•  wisdom  from  above,"  in 
which  you  are  to  be  proficients,  that  it  "  is  gentle 
and  easy  to  be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  good 
ftuits,"  Could  the  efficacy  of  Christianity  in  soften- 
ing the  heart  be  denied  by  those  who  saw,  in  the 
instance  of  the  great  apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  that  it 
was  able  to  transform  a  bigoted,  furious,  and  cruel 
persecutor,  into  an  almost  unequalled  example  of 
candor  and  gentleness,  and  universal  tenderness  and 
love?  Could  its  spirit  of  active  beneficence  be  denied 
by  those  who  saw  its  Divine  Author  so  diligent  and 
unwearied  in  his  benevolent  labors,  as  to  justify  the 
compendious  description  which  was  given  of  him  by 
a  personal  witness  of  his  exertions,  that  he  "  went 
about  doing  good  ?  Imitate  these  blessed  examples  ; 
60  shall  you  vindicate  the  honor  of  your  profession, 
and  "  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men  ;" 
so  shall  you  obey  those  divine  injunctions  of  adorn- 
ing the  doctrine  of  Christ,  and  of  "letting  your  light 
shine  before  men,  that  they  may  see  your  good  works 


tJSEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIOIOK  205 

and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven."  Beat 
the  world  at  its  own  best  weapons.  Let  your  love 
be  more  affectionate,  your  mildness  less  open  to  ir- 
ritation, your  diligence  more  laborious,  your  activity 
more  wakeful  and  persevering.  Consider  sweetness 
of  temper  and  activity  of  mind,  if  they  naturally  be- 
long to  you,  as  talents  of  special  worth  and  utility, 
for  which  you  will  have  to  give  account.  Care- 
fully watch  against  whatever  might  impair  them ; 
cherish  them  with  constant  assiduity  ;  keep  them  in 
continual  exercise,  and  direct  them  to  their  noblest 
ends.  The  latter  of  these  qualities  renders  it  less 
difficult,  and  therefore  more  incumbent  on  you  to  be 
ever  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord  ;  and  to  be 
copious  in  the  production  of  that  species  of  good 
fruit,  of  which  mankind  in  general  will  be  most 
ready  to  allow  the  excellence,  because  they  best  un- 
derstand its  nature.  In  your  instance,  the  solid  sub- 
stance of  christian  practice  is  easily  susceptible  ol 
that  high  and  beautiful  polish,  which  may  attract 
the  attention,  and  extort  the  admiration  of  a  careless 
and  undiscerning  world,  so  slow  to  notice,  and  so 
backward  to  acknowledge  intrinsic  worth  when  con- 
cealed under  a  less  sightly  exterior.  Know,  then, 
and  value  as  you  ought,  the  honorable  office  which 
is  especially  devolved  on  you.  Let  it  be  your  ac- 
ceptable service  to  recommend  the  discredited  cause, 
and  sustain  the  fainting  interests  of  religion,  to  fur- 
nish to  her  friends  matters  of  sound  and  obvious 
IS 


206  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

argument,  and  of  honest  triumph  ;  and  if  your  best 
endeavors  cannot  conciliate,  to  refute  at  least,  and 
confound  her  enemies. 

If,  on  the  other  hand,  you  are  conscious  that  you 
are  naturally  rough  and  austere,  that  disappoint- 
ments have  soured,  or  prosperity  has  elated  you,  or 
that  habits  of  command  have  rendered  you  quick  in 
expression,  and  impatient  of  contradiction  ;  or  if,  from 
whatever  other  cause,  you  have  contracted  an  un- 
happy peevishness  of  temper  or  asperity  of  manners, 
or  harshness  and  severity  of  language,  remember 
that  these  defects  are  by  no  means  incompatible  with 
an  aptness  to  perform  services  of  substantial  kind- 
ness. If  nature  has  been  confirmed  by  habit  till  your 
soul  seems  thoroughly  tinctured  with  these  evil  dis- 
positions, yet  do  not  despair.  Remember  that  the  Di- 
vine agency  is  promised  "to  take  away  the  heart  of 
stone,  and  give  a  heart  of  flesh,"  of  which  it  is  the 
natural  property  to  be  tender  and  susceptible.  Pray 
then  earnestly  and  perseveringly,  that  the  blessed  aid 
of  Divine  grace  may  operate  efTectually  on  your  be- 
half Beware  of  acquiescing  in  evil  tempers,  under 
the  idea  that  they  are  the  ordinary  imperfections  of 
the  best  of  men;  that  they  show  themselves  only  in 
little  instances  ;  that  they  are  only  occasional,  hasty, 
and  transient  effusions,  when  you  are  taken  off  your 
guard  ;  the  passing  shade  of  your  mind,  and  not  the 
.settled  color.  Beware  of  excusing  or  allowing  them 
in  yourself,  under  the  notion  of  warm  zeal  for  the 


USEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  207 

cause  of  religion  and  virtue,  which  you  perhaps  own 
is  now  and  then  apt  to  carry  you  into  somewhat 
over-great  severity  of  judgment  or  sharpness  of  re- 
proof. Listen  not  to  these,  or  any  other  such  flatter- 
ing excuses,  which  your  own  heart  will  be  but  too 
ready  to  suggest  to  you.  Scrutinize  yourself  rather 
with  rigorous  strictness  ;  and  where  there  is  so  much 
room  for  self-deceit,  call  in  the  aid  of  some  faithful 
friend,  and  unbosoming  yourself  to  him  without  con- 
cealment, ask  his  impartial  and  unreserved  opinion 
of  your  behavior  and  condition.  Our  unwillingness 
to  do  this  often  betrays  to  others,  not  seldom  it  first 
discovers  to  ourselves,  that  we  entertain  a  secret  dis- 
trust of  our  own  character  and  conduct.  Instead  also  of 
extenuating  to  yourself  the  criminality  of  the  vicious 
tempers  under  consideration,  strive  to  impress  your 
mind  deeply  with  a  sense  of  it.  For  this  end,  often 
consider  seriously  that  these  rough  and  churlish 
tempers  are  a  direct  contrast  to  the  "meekness  and 
gentleness  of  Christ ;"  and  that  Christians  are  strong- 
ly and  repeatedly  enjoined  to  copy  after  their  great 
Model  in  these  particulars,  and  to  be  themselves  pat- 
terns of  "  mercy  and  kindness,  and  humbleness  of 
mind,  and  meekness,  and  long-suffering."  They  are 
to  "put  away  all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and  anger, 
and  clamor,  and  evil-speaking ;"  not  only  "  being 
ready  to  every  good  work,  but  being  gentle  unto  all 
men  ;"  "  showing  all  meekness  unto  all  men  ;"  "  for- 
bearing, forgiving,"  tender-hearted.    Remember  the 


208  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

apostle's  declaration,  that  "  if  any  man  bridleth  not 
his  tongue,  he  only  seemeth  to  be  religious,  and  de- 
ceiveth  his  own  heart ;"  and  that  it  is  one  of  the  cha- 
racters of  that  love,  without  which  all  pretensions 
to  the  name  of  Christian  are  but  vain,  that  "  it  doth 
not  behave  itself  unseemly."  Consider  how  much 
these  acrimonious  tempers  must  break  in  upon  the 
peace,  and  destroy  the  comfort  of  those  around  you. 
Remember  also  that  the  honor  of  your  Christian  pro- 
fession is  at  stake,  and  be  solicitous  not  to  discredit 
it;  justly  dreading  lest  you  should  disgust  those 
whom  you  ought  to  conciliate,  and  by  conveying 
an  unfavorable  impression  of  your  principles  and 
character,  should  incur  the  guilt  of  putting  an  "  of- 
fence in  your  brother's  way  ;"  thereby  "  hindering 
the  Gospel  of  Christ,"  the  advancement  of  which 
should  be  your  daily  and  assiduous  care. 

Thus  having  come  to  the  full  knowledge  of  your 
disease,  and  to  a  just  impression  of  its  malignity, 
strive  against  it  with  incessant  watchfulness.  Guard 
against  its  breaking  forth  into  act.  Force  yourself 
to  abound  in  little  offices  of  courtesy  and  kindness  ; 
and  you  shall  gradually  experience  in  the  perform- 
ance of  these  a  pleasure  hitherto  unknown.  But 
take  not  up  with  external  amendment ;  and  remem- 
ber that  the  Christian  is  not  to  be  satisfied  with  the 
world's  superficial  courtliness  of  demeanor,  but  that 
his  "  love  is  to  be  without  dissimulation."  Examine 
carefully  whether  the  unchristian   tempers  which 


USEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  209 

you  would  eradicate,  are  not  maintained  by  selfish- 
ness and  pride;  and  strive  to  subdue  them  effectually. 
Accustom  yourself  to  endeavor  to  look  attentively  up- 
on a  careless  and  inconsiderate  world,  which,  while  it 
is  in  such  eminent  peril,  is  so  ignorant  of  its  danger. 
Dwell  upon  this  affecting  scene,  till  it  has  excited 
your  pity  ;  and  this  pity,  while  it  melts  the  mind  to 
Christian  love,  shall  insensibly  produce  a  temper  of 
habitual  sympathy  and  softness.  By  means  like 
these,  perseveringly  used  in  constant  dependence  on 
Divine  aid,  you  may  confidently  hope  to  make  con- 
tinual progress.  Among  men  of  the  world,  a  youth 
of  softness  and  sweetness  will  often,  as  we  formerly 
remarked,  harden  into  insensibility,  and  sharpen  into 
moroseness.  But  it  is  the  office  of  Christianity  to 
reverse  this  order.  It  is  pleasing  to  witness  this 
blessed  renovation ;  to  see,  as  life  advances,  asperi- 
ties gradually  smoothing  down,  and  roughnesses 
mellowing  away;  while  the  subject  of  this  happy 
change  experiences  within,  increasing  measures  of 
the  comfort  which  he  diffuses  around  him ;  and  feel- 
ing the  genial  influences  of  that  heavenly  flame, 
which  can  thus  give  life,  and  warmth,  and  action  to 
what  had  been  hitherto  rigid  and  insensible,  looks 
up  with  gratitude  to  Him  who  has  shed  abroad  this 
principle  of  love  in  his  heart ; 

Miraturque  novas  frondes  et  non  sua  poma. 

Let  it  not  be  thought  that  in  the  foregoing  discua- 
18» 


210  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

sion  the  amiable  and  useful  qualities,  where  they 
are  not  prompted  and  governed  by  a  principle  of  re- 
ligion, have  been  spoken  of  in  too  disparaging  terms. 
Nor  would  I  be  understood  as  unwilling  to  concede 
to  those  who  are  living  in  the  exercise  of  them,  their 
proper  tribute  of  commendation.  Of  such  persons  it 
must  be  said,  in  the  language  of  Scripture,  "  They 
have  their  reward."  They  have  it  in  the  inward 
complacency  which  a  sweet  temper  seldom  fails  to 
inspire ;  in  the  comforts  of  the  domestic  or  social 
circle  :  in  the  pleasure  which,  from  the  constitution 
of  our  nature,  accompanies  pursuit  and  action.  They 
are  always  beloved  in  private,  and  generally  respect- 
ed in  public  life.  But  when  devoid  of  religion,  if 
the  word  of  God  be  not  a  fable,  •'  they  cannot  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  True  practical  Chris- 
tianity, never  let  it  be  forgotten,  consists  in  devoting 
the  heart  and  life  to  God ;  in  being  supremely  and 
habitually  governed  by  a  desire  to  know,  and  a  dis- 
position to  fulfill  his  will,  and  in  endeavoring,  under 
the  influence  of  these  motives,  to  "  live  to  his  glory.'' 
Where  these  essential  requisites  are  wanting,  how- 
ever amiable  the  character  may  be,  however  credit- 
able and  respectable  among  men  ;  yet,  as  it  possesses 
not  the  grand  distinguishing  essence,  it  must  not  be 
complimented  with  the  name  of  Christianity.  This, 
however,  must  commonly  be  a  matter  between  God 
and  a  man's  own  conscience ;  and  we  ought  never 
to  forget  how  strongly  we  are  enjoined  to  be  liberal 


USEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  211 

in  judging  the  motives  of  others,  while  we  are  strict 
in  scrutinizing  and  severe  in  questioning  our  own. 
And  this  strict  scrutiny  is  no  where  more  necessary, 
because  there  is  no  where  more  room  for  the  opera- 
tion of  self-deceit.  We  are  all  extremely  prone  to  lend 
ourselves  to  the  good  opinion  which,  however  falsely, 
is  entertained  of  us  by  others  ;  and  though  we  at  first 
suspect,  or  even  indubitably  know,  that  their  esteem 
is  unfounded  and  their  praises  undeserved,  and  that 
they  would  have  thought  and  spoken  of  us  very  dif- 
ferently if  they  had  discerned  our  secret  motives,  or 
had  been  accurately  acquainted  with  all  the  circum- 
stances of  our  conduct;  we  gradually  suffer  our- 
selves to  adopt  their  judgment  of  us,  and  at  length 
feel  that  we  are  in  some  sort  injured  or  denied  our 
due,  when  these  false  commendations  are  contradict- 
ed or  withheld.  Without  the  most  constant  watch- 
fulness, and  the  most  close  and  impartial  self-exami- 
nation, irreligious  people  of  amiable  tempers,  and 
still  more  those  of  useful  lives,  from  the  general  po- 
pularity of  their  character,  will  be  particularly  liable 
to  become  the  dupes  of  this  propensity.  Men  of  real 
religion  will  also  do  well  to  watch  against  this  delu- 
sion. There  is,  however,  another  danger  against 
which  it  is  necessary  to  warn  them.  In  their  en- 
deavors to  fulfill  this  obligation,  let  them  specially  be- 
ware lest,  setting  out  on  right  principles,  they  insen- 
sibly lose  them  in  the  course  of  their  progress — lest, 
engaging  originally  in  the  business  and  bustle  of  the 


212  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

world,  from  a  sincere  and  earnest  desire  to  promote 
the  glory  of  God,  their  minds  should  become  so  heat- 
ed and  absorbed  in  the  pursuit  of  their  object,  that 
the  true  motive  of  action  should  either  altogether 
cease  to  be  an  habitual  principle,  or  should  at  least 
lose  much  of  its  life  and  vigor — lest  their  thoughts 
and  affections  being  engrossed  by  temporal  concerns, 
their  sense  of  the  reality  of  "  unseen  things"  should 
fade  away,  and  they  should  lose  their  relish  for  the 
employments  and  offices  of  religion. 

The  Christian's  path  is  beset  with  dangers.  On 
the  one  hand,  he  justly  dreads  an  inactive  and  un- 
profitable life  ;  on  the  other,  he  no  less  justly  trem- 
bles for  the  loss  of  spirrtual-mindedness.  Does  then 
the  Christian  discover  in  himself  (judging  not  from 
accidental  or  occasional  feelings,  on  which  little 
stress  is  either  way  to  be  laid,  but  from  the  perma- 
nent and  habitual  temper  of  his  mind)  a  settled,  and, 
still  mor,e,  a  growing  coldness  and  indisposition  to- 
wards the  considerations  and  offices  of  religion  ;  and 
has  he  reason  to  apprehend  that  this  coldness  and  in- 
disposition are  owing  to  his  being  engaged  too  much 
or  too  earnestly  in  worldly  business,  or  to  his  being 
too  keen  in  the  pursuit  of  worldly  objects  ?  Let  him 
carefully  examine  the  state  of  his  own  heart,  and  se- 
riously and  impartially  survey  the  circumstances  of 
his  situation  in  life  ;  humbly  praying  to  the  Father 
of  light  and  mercy,  that  he  may  be  enabled  to  seel 
hi9  way  cl«arly  in  this  difficult  emergency.    If  he 


USEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  213 

finds  himself  pursuing  wealth,  or  dignity,  or  reputa- 
tion, with  earnestness  and  solicitude ;  if  these  things 
engage  many  of  his  thoughts ;  if  his  mind  naturally 
and  inadvertently  runs  out  into  contemplations  of 
them  ;  if  success  in  these  respects  greatly  gladdens, 
and  disappointments  dispirit  and  distress  his  mind; 
he  has  but  too  plain  grounds  for  self-condemnation. 
"  No  man  can  serve  two  masters."  The  world  is 
evidently  in  possession  of  his  heart,  and  it  is  no  won- 
der that  he  finds  himself  dull,  or  rather  dead,  to  the 
impression  and  enjoyment  of  spiritual  things. 

But  though  the  marks  of  predominant  estimation 
and  regard  for  earthly  things  are  much  less  clear 
and  determinate,  yet,  if  the  object  he  is  pursuing  be 
one  which,  by  its  attainment,  would  bring  him  a  con- 
siderable accession  of  riches,  station  and  honor,  let 
him  soberly  and  fairly  question  and  examine  whe- 
ther the  pursuit  be  warrantable?  here,  also,  asking 
the  advice  of  some  judicious  friend  ;  his  backward- 
ness to  do  which,  in  instances  like  these,  should  justly 
lead  him  to  distrust  the  reasonableness  of  the  schemes 
which  he  is  prosecuting.  In  such  a  case  as  this,  we 
have  good  cause  to  distrust  ourselves.  Though  the 
inward  hope,  that  we  are  chiefly  promoted  by  a  de- 
sire to  promote  the  glory  of  our  Maker  and  the  happi- 
ness of  our  fellow-creatures,  by  increasing  our  means 
of  usefulness,  may  suggest  itself  to  allay,  yet  let  it 
not  altogether  remove  our  suspicions.  It  is  not  im- 
probable, that  beneath  this  plausible  mask  we  con- 


214  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

eeal,  more  successfully  perhaps  from  ourselves  than 
from  others,  an  inordinate  attachment  to  the  pomps 
and  transitory  distinctions  of  this  life ;  and  as  this  at- 
tachment gains  the  ascendency,  it  will  ever  be  found 
that  our  perception  and  feeling  of  the  supreme  excel- 
lence of  heavenly  things  will  proportionably  subside. 
But  when  the  consequences  which  would  follow 
from  the  success  of  our  worldly  pursuits  do  not  ren- 
der them  so  questionable  as  in  the  case  we  have 
been  just  considering ;  yet,  having  such  good  reason 
to  believe  that  there  is  somewhere  a  flaw,  let  us  care- 
fully scrutinize  the  whole  of  our  conduct,  in  order 
to  discover  whether  we  may  not  be  living  either  in 
the  breach  or  in  the  omission  of  some  known  duty, 
and  whether  it  may  not  therefore  have  pleased  God 
to  withdraw  from  us  the  influence  of  his  Holy  Spirit ; 
particularly  inquiring  whether  the  duties  of  self- 
examination,  of  secret  and  public  prayer,  the  reading 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  the  other  prescribed 
means  of  grace,  have  not  been  intermitted  at  their 
proper  seasons,  or  performed  with  precipitation  or 
distraction  ?  And  if  we  find  reason  to  believe  that 
the  allotment  of  time  which  it  would  be  most  for 
our  spiritual  improvement  to  assign  to  our  religious 
offices  is  often  broken  in  upon  and  curtailed,  let  us 
be  extremely  backward  to  admit  excuses  for  such 
interruptions  and  abridgments.  It  is  more  than  pro- 
bable, for  many  obvious  reasons,  that  even  our  world- 
ly affairs  will  ^ot  go  on  the  better  for  encroaching 


USEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  215 

Upon  those  hours  which  ought  to  be  dedicated  to  the 
more  immediate  service  of  God,  and  to  the  cultivation 
of  the  inward  principles  of  religion.  Our  hearts,  at 
least,  and  our  conduct  will  soon  exhibit  proofs  of  the 
sad  effects  of  this  fatal  negligence. 

Let  us,  when  engaged  in  this  important  scrutiny, 
impartially  examine  ourselves  whether  the  worldly 
objects  which  engross  us,  are  all  of  them  such  as 
properly  belong  to  our  profession,  or  station,  or  cir- 
cumstances in  life,  Avhich  therefore  we  could  not 
neglect  with  a  good  conscience  ?  If  they  are,  let  us 
consider  whether  they  do  not  consume  a  larger 
share  of  our  time  than  they  really  require;  and 
whether,  by  not  trifling  over  our  work,  by  deducting 
somewhat  which  might  be  spared  from  our  hours  of  re- 
1  axation,  or  by  some  other  little  management,  we  might 
not  fully  satisfy  their  just  claims,  and  yet  have  an  in- 
creased leisure  to  be  devoted  to  the  offices  of  religion. 

But  if  we  deliberately  and  honestly  conclude  that 
we  ought  not  to  give  these  worldly  objects  less  of 
our  time,  let  us  endeavor  at  least  to  give  them  less 
of  our  hearts  ;  striving  that  the  settled  frame  of  our 
desires  and  affections  may  be  more  spiritual,  and 
that,  in  the  motley  intercourses  of  life,  we  may  con- 
stantly retain  a  more  lively  sense  of  the  divine  pre- 
sence, and  a  stronger  impression  of  the  reality  of 
unseen  things ;  thus  corresponding  with  the  scrip- 
t  jre  description  of  true  Christians,  "walking  by  faith 
and  not  by  sight,  and  having  our  conversation  in 
heaven." 


216  AMIABLE    TEMPERS    AND 

Above  all,  let  us  guard  against  the  temptation,  to 
which  we  shall  certainly  be  exposed,  of  lowering 
down  our  views  to  our  state,  instead  of  endeavoring 
to  rise  to  the  level  of  our  views.  Let  us  rather  de- 
termine to  know  the  worst  of  our  case,  and  strive  to 
be  suitably  affected  with  it ;  not  forward  to  speak 
peace  to  ourselves,  but  patiently  carrying  about  with 
us  a  deep  conviction  of  our  backwardness  and  inap- 
titude to  religious  duties,  and  a  just  sense  of  our  great 
'weakness  and  numerous  infirmities.  This  cannot  be 
an  unbecoming  temper  in  those  who  are  command, 
ed  to  "  work  out  their  salvation  with  fear  and  trem- 
bling." It  prompts  to  constant  and  earnest  prayer. 
It  produces  that  sobriety,  and  lowliness,  and  tender- 
ness of  mind,  that  meekness  of  demeanor  and  cir- 
cumspection in  conduct,  which  are  such  eminent 
characteristics  of  the  true  Christian. 

Nor  is  it  a  state  devoid  of  consolation :  "  They 
that  wait  on  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength  •" 
•'  Be  strong,  and  he  shall  comfort  thy  heart :" 
**  Blessed  are  they  that  mourn ;  for  they  shall  bo 
comforted."  These  divine  assurances  soothe  and  en- 
courage the  Christian's  disturbed  and  dejected  mind, 
and  insensibly  diffuse  a  holy  composure.  The  tint 
may  be  solemn,  nay,  even  melancholy,  but  it  is  mild 
and  grateful.  The  tumult  of  his  soul  has  subsided, 
and  he  is  possessed  by  complacency,  and  hope,  and 
love.  If  a  sense  of  undeserved  kindness  fill  his  eyes 
with  tears,  they  are  tears  of  reconciliation  and  joy ; 


tSEFUL    LIVES    NOT    RELIGION.  217 

while  a  generous  ardor  springing  up  within  him, 
sends  him  forth  to  his  worldly  labors  "fervent  in 
spirit,"  resolving,  through  the  divine  aid,  to  be  hence- 
forth more  diligent  and  exemplary  in  living  to  the 
glory  of  God,  and  longing  meanwhile  for  that  bless- 
ed time,  when,  "being  freed  from  the  bondage  of 
corruption,"  he  shall  be  enabled  to  render  to  his 
heavenly  Benefactor  more  pure  and  acceptable  ser- 
vice. 

After  having  discussed  so  much  the  whole  ques- 
tion concerning  amiable  tempers  in  general,  it  may 
be  scarcely  necessary  to  dwell  upon  that  particular 
class  of  them  which  belongs  to  the  head  of  generous 
emotions,  or  of  exquisite  sensibility.  To  these  al- 
most all  which  has  been  said  is  strictly  applicable ; 
to  which  it  may  be  added,  that  the  persons  in  whom 
the  latter  qualities  most  abound,  are  often  far  from 
conducing  to  the  peace  and  comfort  of  their  nearest 
connections.  These  qualities  indeed  may  be  render- 
ed highly  useful  instruments,  when  in  the  service  Oi 
religion.  But  we  ought  to  except  against  them  the 
more  strongly,  when  not  under  her  control ;  because 
there  is  still  greater  danger  than  in  the  former  case, 
that  persons  in  whom  they  abound  may  be  flattered 
into  a  false  opinion  of  themselves  by  the  excessive 
commendations  often  paid  to  them  by  others,  and  by 
the  beguiling  complacencies  of  their  own  minds, 
which  are  apt  to  be  puffed  up  with  a  proud  though 
secret  consciousness  of  their  own  superior  acuteness 
19 


218       DEFECTS  IN  THE  PRACTICAL 

and  sensibility.  But  it  is  the  less  requisite  to  eiv 
large  on  this  topic,  because  it  has  been  well  discussed 
by  many  who  have  shown  that  these  qualities  often 
fail  us  when  most  we  want  their  aid ;  that  their  pos- 
sessors can  solace  themselves  with  their  imaginary 
exertions  in  behalf  of  ideal  misery,  and  yet  shrink 
from  the  labors  of  active  benevolence,  or  retire  with 
disgust  from  the  homely  forms  of  real  poverty  and 
wretchedness.  In  fine,  the  superiority  of  Christian 
charity  and  of  plain  practical  beneficence  has  been 
ably  vindicated ;  and  the  school  of  Rousseau  or  ot 
Sterne  has  been  forced  to  yield  to  the  school  ol 
Christ,  when  the  question  has  been  concerning  the 
best  means  of  promoting  the  comfort  of  family  life, 
or  the  temporal  well-being  of  society. 

SECTION    V. 

iiome  other  grand  defects  in  the  practical  system  of  the  bulk  of 
nominal  Christians. 

In  the  imperfect  sketch  which  has  been  drawn  of 
the  religion  of  the  bulk  of  nominal  Christians,  their 
fundamental  error  respecting  the  nature  of  Chris- 
tianity has  been  traced  into  some  of  its  many  mis- 
chievous consequences.  Several  of  their  particular 
misconceptions  and  allowed  defects  have  also  been 
pointed  out  and  illustrated.  It  may  not  be  improper 
to  close  the  survey  by  noticing  some  others,  for  the 


SYSTEM    OF    NOMINAL    CHRISTIANS.  219 

existence  of  which  we  may  now  appeal  to  aUnost 
every  part  of  the  precea'ing-  delineation. 

In  the  first  place,  then,  there  appears  throughout, 
both  in  the  principles  and  allowed  conduct  of  the 
bulk  of  Tiominal  Christians,  a  most  inadequate  idea  of 
the  guilt  and  evil  of  sin.  We  every  where  find  rea- 
son to  remark,  that,  as  was  formerly  observed,  reli- 
gion is  suffered  to  dwindle  away  into  a  mere  matter 
of  police.  Hence  the  guilt  of  actions  is  estimated, 
not  by  the  proportion  in  which,  according  to  Scrip- 
ture, they  are  offensive  to  God,  but  by  that  in  which 
they  are  injurious  to  societ}^  Murder,  theft,  fraud  in 
all  its  shapes,  and  some  species  of  lying,  are  mani- 
festly, and  in  an  eminent  degree,  injurious  to  social 
happiness.  How  difTerent,  accordingly,  in  the  moral 
scale,  is  the  place  they  hold;  from  that  which  is  as- 
signed to  idolatry,  to  general  irreligion,  to  swearing, 
drinking,  fornication,  lasciviousness,  sensuality,  exces- 
sive dissipation  ;  and,  in  particular  circumstances,  to 
pride,  wrath,  malice,  and  revenge  ! 

Indeed,  several  of  the  abovementioned  vices  are 
held  to  be  grossly  criminal  in  the  lower  ranks,  be- 
cause manifestly  ruinous  to  their  temporal  interests  ; 
but  in  the  higher,  they  are  represented  as  "  losing 
half  their  evil  by  losing  all  their  grossness,"  as  flow- 
mg  naturally  from  great  prosperity,  from  the  excess 
of  gayety  and  good  humor :  and  they  are  accordingly 
•*  regarded  with  but  a  small  degree  of  disapproba 


220       DEFECTS  IN  THE  PRACTICAL 

tion,  and  censured  very  slightly,  or  not  at  all."* 
These  are  the  remarks  of  authors  who  have  survey- 
ed the  stage  of  human  life  with  more  than  ordinary 
observation ;  one  of  whom,  in  particular,  cannot  be 
suspected  of  having  been  misled  by  religious  pre- 
judices to  form  a  judgment  of  the  superior  orders 
too  unfavorable  and  severe. 

Will  these  positions  however  be  denied?  Will  it 
be  maintained  that  there  is  not  the  difference  already 
stated,  in  the  moral  estimation  of  these  different 
classes  of  vices  ?  Will  it  be  said  that  the  one  class 
is  indeed  more  generally  restrained,  and  more  se- 
verely punished  by  human  laws,  because  more  pro- 
perly cognizable  by  human  judicatures,  and  more 
directly  at  war  with  the  well-being  of  society;  but 
that,  when  brought  before  the  tribunal  of  internal 
opinion,  they  are  condemned  with  equal  rigor  ? 

Facts  may  be  denied,  but  where  the  general  senti- 
ment and  feeling  of  mankind  are  in  question,  our 
common  language  is  often  the  clearest  and  most 
impartial  witness;  and  the  conclusions  thus  furnish- 
ed, are  not  to  be  parried  by  wit,  or  eluded  by  sophis- 
try. In  the  present  case,  our  ordinary  modes  of 
speech  furnish  sufficient  matter  for  the  determination 
of  the  argument,  and  abundantly  prove  our  disposi- 
tion to  consider  as  matters  of  small  account,  such 
sins  as  are  not  held  to  be  injurious  to  the  commu- 

•  Vide  Smith  on  the  Wealth  of  Nations,  vol.  iil 


ststl:m  of  nominal  cht^istians.        2-2 1 

tiity.  Wo  invent  for  them  diminutive  and  qnalifying: 
terms,  which,  if  not  to  be  admitted  as  signs  of  ap- 
probation and  goodwill,  must  at  least  be  confessed 
to  be  proofs  of  our  tendency  to  regard  them  with 
palliation  and  indulgence.  Free-thinking,  gallantry, 
jollity,*  and  a  thousand  similar  phrases,  might  be 
adduced  as  instances.  But  it  is  worthy  of  remark, 
that  no  such  soft  and  qualifying  terms  are  in  use  for 
expressing  the  smaller  degrees  of  theft,  or  fraud,  or 
forgery,  or  any  other  of  those  offences  which  are 
committed  by  men  against  their  fellow-creatures,  and 
in  the  suppression  of  which  we  are  interested  by  our 
regard  to  our  temporal  concerns. 

The  charge  which  we  are  urgmg  is  indeed  unde- 
niable. In  the  case  of  any  question  of  honor,  or  of 
moral  honesty,  we  are  sagacious  in  discerning  and 
inexorable  in  judging  the  offence.  No  allowance  is 
made  for  the  suddenness  of  surprise,  or  the  strength 
of  temptations.  One  single  failure  is  presumed  to  im- 
ply the  absence  of  the  moral  or  honorable  princi- 
ple. The  memory  is  retentive  on  these  occasions, 
and  the  man's  character  is  blasted  for  life.  Here 
even  mere  suspicion  of  having  once  offended  can 
scarcely  be  got  over:  "  There  is  an  awkward  story 
about  that  man,  which  must  be  explained  before  he 

*  Many  more  might  be  added,  such  as,  a  good  fellow,  a 
good  companion,  a  libertine,  a  little  free,  a  little  loose  in 
lalk,  wild,  gay,  jovial,  being  no  man's  enemy  but  his  own, 
&.C.  &c.  &c.  &c.  above  all,  having  a  good  heart. 
19*^ 


222  DEFECTS    IN    THE    PRACTICAL 

and  I  can  become  acquainted."  But  in  the  case  ol 
sins  against  God,  there  is  no  such  watchful  jealousy, 
none  of  this  rigorous  logic.  A  man  may  go  on  in 
the  frequent  commission  of  known  sins,  yet  no  such 
inference  is  drawn  respecting  the  absence  of  the  reli- 
gious principle.  On  the  contrary,  we  say  of  him,  that 
"though  his  conduct  be  a  little  incorrect,  his  princi- 
ples are  untouched  ;" — "that  he  has  a  good  heart: 
and  such  a  man  may  go  quietly  through  life,  with  the 
titles  of  a  mighty  worthy  creature,  and  a  very  good 
Christian." 

But  in  the  word  of  God,  actions  are  estimated  by  a 
far  less  accommodating  standard.  There  we  read  of  no 
little  sins.  Much  of  our  Savior's  sermon  on  the  mount, 
which  many  of  the  class  we  are  condemning  affect 
highly  to  admire,  is  expressly  pointed  against  so  dan- 
gerous a  misconception.  There,  no  such  distinction 
is  made  between  the  rich  and  the  poor.  No  notices 
are  to  be  traced  of  one  scale  of  morals  for  the  high- 
er, and  of  another  for  the  lower  classes  of  society. 
Nay,  the  former  are  distinctly  warned,  that  their 
condition  in  life  is  the  more  dangerous,  because  of  the 
more  abundant  temptations  to  which  it  exposes  them. 
Idolatry,  fornication,  lasciviousness,  drunkenness, 
revellings,  inordinate  affection,  are,  by  the  apostle, 
likewise  classed  with  theft  and  murder,  and  with 
what  we  hold  in  even  still  greater  abomination ;  and 
concerning  them  all,  it  is  pronounced  alike,  that 
"  they  which  do  such  things  shall  not  inherit  the 
kingdom  of  God."  Gal.  5  :  19-21.  Col.  3 :  5-9. 


SYSTEM    OF    NOMINAL    CHRISTIANS.  223 

Tn  truth,  the  instance  which  we  have  lately  speci- 
fied, of  the  loose  system  of  these  nominal  Christians, 
betrays  a  fatal  absence  of  the  principle  which  is  the 
very  foundation  of  all  religion.  Their  slight  notions 
of  the  guilt  and  evil  of  sin  discover  an  utter  want  of 
all  suitable  reverence  for  the  Divine  majesty.  This 
principle  is  justly  termed  in  Scripture,  *'the  begin- 
ning of  wisdom,"  and  there  is  perhaps  no  one  quality 
which  it  is  so  much  the  studious  endeavor  of  the  sa- 
cred writers  to  impress  upon  the  human  heart.  Job, 
28:  28.  Psalm  111 :  10.  Prov.  1:  7.  9:  10. 

Sin  is  considered  in  Scripture  as  rebellion  against 
the  sovereignty  of  God,  and  every  different  act  of  it 
equally  violates  his  law,  and  if  persevered  in,  dis- 
claims his  supremacy.  To  the  inconsiderate  and  the 
gay  this  doctrine  may  seem  harsh,  while,  vainly 
fluttering  in  the  sunshine  of  worldly  prosperity,  they 
lull  themselves  into  a  fond  security.  "  But  the  day 
of  the  Lord  will  come  as  a  thief  in  the  night ;  in 
which  the  heavens  shall  pass  away  with  a  great  noise, 
and  the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat ;  the 
earth  also  and  the  works  that  are  therein  shall  be 
burnt  up.  Seeing,  then,  that  all  these  things  shall  be 
dissolved,  what  manner  of  persons  ought  we  to  be 
in  all  holy  conversation  and  godliness  ?"  2  Peter,  3 : 
10,11.  We  are  but  an  atom  in  the  universe.  Worlds 
upon  worlds  surround  us,  all  probably  full  of  intelli- 
gent creatures,  to  whom,  now  or  hereafter,  we  may 
be  a  spectacle,  and  afford  an  example  of  the  Divine 


224       DEFECTS  IN  THE  PRACTICAL 

procedure.  Who  then  shall  take  upon  him  to  pro 
nounce  what  might  be  the  issue,  if  sin  were  sufferea 
to  pass  unpunished  in  one  corner  of  this  universal 
empire  ?  Who  shall  say  what  confusion  might  be  the 
consequence,  what  disorder  it  might  spread  through 
the  creation  of  God  ?  Be  this  however  as  it  may,  the 
language  of  Scripture  is  clear  and  decisive:  "  The 
wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  the  nations 
that  forget  God." 

It  should  be  carefully  observed,  too,  that  these  aw- 
ful denunciations  of  the  future  punishment  of  sin  de- 
rive additional  weight  from  this  consideration,  that 
they  are  represented,  not  merely  as  a  judicial  sen- 
tence which,  without  violence  to  the  settled  order  of 
things,  might  be  remitted  through  the  mere  mercy 
of  our  Almighty  Governor,  but  as  arising  out  of  the 
established  course  of  nature:  as  happening  in  the 
way  of  natural  consequence,  just  as  a  cause  is  ne- 
cessarily connected  with  its  effect ;  as  resulting  from 
certain  connections  and  relations  which  rendered 
them  suhable  and  becoming.  It  is  stated  that  the  king- 
dom of  God  and  the  kingdom  of  Satan  are  both  set 
up  in  the  w^orld,  and  that  to  the  one  or  the  other  of 
these  we  must  belong.  "  The  righteous  have  pas- 
sed from  death  unto  life  ;"  "  they  are  delivered  from 
the  power  of  darkness,  and  are  translated  into  the 
kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son."  Col.  1  :  13.  They 
are  become  "the  children"  and  *' the  subjects  of 
God  "    While  on  earth,  they  love  his  day,  his  ser- 


SYSTEM    OF    NOMINAL    CHRISTIANS.  225 

vice,  his  people ;  they  "  speak  good  of  his  name ;" 
they  abound  in  his  works.  Even  here  they  are  in 
some  degree  possessed  of  his  image :  by  and  by  it 
shall  be  perfected;  they  shall  awake  up  after  his 
"  likeness,"  and  being  "  heirs  of  eternal  life,"  they 
shall  receive  "  an  inheritance  incorruptible  and  un- 
defiled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away." 

Of  sinners,  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  declared  that 
"  they  are  of  their  father  the  devil;"  while  on  earth, 
they  are  styled  "  his  children,"  "  his  servants  ;"  they 
are  said  "  to  do  his  works,"  to  be  "  subjects  of  his 
kingdom :"  at  length  "  they  shall  partake  his  por- 
tion," when  the  merciful  Savior  shall  be  changed 
into  an  avenging  Judge,  and  shall  pronounce  that 
dreadful  sentence,  "  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into 
everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his 
angels." 

Is  it  possible  that  these  declarations  should  not 
strike  terror,  or  at  least  excite  serious  and  fearful  ap- 
prehension in  the  lightest  and  most  inconsiderate 
mind  ?  But  the  imaginations  of  men  are  fatally  prone 
to  suggest  to  them  fallacious  hopes,  in  the  very  face 
of  these  positive  declarations.  "  We  cannot  persuade 
ourselves  that  God  will,  in  fact,  prove  so  severe."  It 
was  the  very  delusion  to  which  our  first  parents 
listened  ;  "  Ye  shall  not  surely  die." 

Let  me  ask  these  rash  men,  who  are  thus  disposed 
to  trifle  with  their  immortal  interests,  had  they  lived 
in  the  antediluvian  world,  would  they  have  conceiv- 


226       DEFECTS  IN  THE  PRACTICAL 

ed  it  possible  that  God  would  then  execute  his  pre- 
dicted threatening?  Yet  the  event  took  place  at  the 
appointed  time:  the  flood  came  and  swept  them  all 
away  ;  and  this  awful  instance  of  the  anger  of  God 
against  sin  is  related  in  the  inspired  writings  for  our 
instruction.  Still  more  to  rouse  us  to  attention,  the 
record  is  impressed  in  indelible  characters  on  the 
solid  substance  of  the  very  globe  we  inhabit ;  which 
thus,  in  every  country  upon  earth,  furnishes  practi- 
cal attestations  to  the  truth  of  the  sacred  writings, 
and  to  the  actual  accomplishment  of  their  awful  pre- 
dictions. For  myself  I  must  declare  that  I  never 
can  read  without  awe  the  passage  in  which  our  Sa- 
vior is  speaking  of  the  state  of  the  world  at  the  time 
of  this  memorable  event.  The  wickedness  of  men 
is  represented  to  have  been  great  and  prevalent ;  yet 
not,  as  we  are  ready  to  conceive,  such  as  to  interrupt 
the  course  and  shake  the  very  frame  of  society.  The 
general  face  of  things  was,  perhaps,  not  very  dif- 
ferent from  that  which  is  exhibited  in  many  of  the 
European  nations.  It  was  a  selfish,  a  luxurious,  an 
irreligious,  and  an  inconsiderate  world.  They  were 
called,  but  they  would  not  hearken  :  they  were  warn- 
ed, but  they  would  not  believe — "  They  did  cat,  they 
drank,  they  married  wives,  they  were  given  in  mar- 
riage :"  such  is  the  account  of  one  of  the  evangelists  ; 
in  that  of  another  it  is  stated  nearly  in  the  same 
words;  "  They  were  eating  and  drinking,  marrying 
and  giving  in  marriage,  and  knew  not  until  the 
Hood  came,  and  swept  them  all  away." 


SYSTEM    OF    ^0.'MI^AL    CHRISTIANS.  ^17 

Again,  we  see  throughout,  in  the  system  which 
we  have  been  describing,  a  most  inadequate  concep- 
tion of  the  difficulty  of  becoming  true  Christians; 
and  an  utter  forgetfulness  of  its  being  the  great  bu- 
siness of  life  to  secure  our  admission  into  heaven, 
and  to  prepare  our  hearts  for  its  service  and  enjoy- 
ments. The  general  notion  appears  to  be,  that,  if  born 
in  a  country  of  which  Christianity  is  the  established 
religion,  we  are  born  Christians.  We  do  not  there- 
fore look  out  for  positive  evidence  of  our  really  being 
of  that  number;  but  putting  the  onus  probandi,  if  it 
may  be  so  expressed,  on  the  wrong  side,  we  con- 
ceive ourselves  such  of  course,  except  our  title  be 
disproved  by  positive  evidence  to  the  contrary.  And 
we  are  so  slow  in  givins:  ear  to  what  conscience 
urges  to  us  on  this  side;  so  dexterous  in  justifying 
what  is  clearly  wrong,  in  palliating  what  we  cannot 
justify,  in  magnifying  the  merit  of  what  is  fairly  com- 
mendable, in  flattering  ourselves  that  our  habits  of 
vice  are  only  occasional  acts,  and  in  multiplying  our 
single  acts  into  habits  of  virtue,  that  we  must  be  bad 
indeed,  to  be  compelled  to  give  a  verdict  against 
ourselves.  Besides,  having  no  suspicion  of  our  state, 
we  do  not  set  ourselves  in  earnest  to  the  work  of 
self-examination  :  but  only  receive  in  a  confused  and 
hasty  way  some  occasional  notices  of  our  danger, 
Avhen  sickness,  or  the  loss  of  a  friend,  or  the  recent 
commission  of  some  act  of  vice  of  greater  size  than 
ordinary,  has  awakened  in  our  consciences  a  more 
than  usual  dei^ree  of  sen-:ibi1i!v. 


223       DEFECTS  IN  THE  PRACTICAL 

Thus,  by  the  generality,  it  is  altogether  forgotten 
that  the  Christian  has  a  great  work  to  execute — that 
of  forming  himself  after  the  pattern  of  his  Lord  and 
Master,  through  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  of 
God,  which  is  promised  to  our  fervent  prayers  and 
diligent  endeavors.  Unconscious  of  the  obstacles 
which  impede,  and  of  the  enemies  which  resist  their 
advancement,  they  are  naturally  forgetful  also  of  the 
ample  provision  which  is  in  store  for  enabling  them 
to  surmount  the  one,  and  to  conquer  the  other.  The 
scriptural  representations  of  the  state  of  the  Christian 
on  earth,  by  the  images  of  "a  race,"  and  ''a  war- 
fare ;"  of  its  being  necessary  to  rid  himself  of  every 
encumbrance  which  might  retard  him  in  the  one, 
and  to  furnish  himself  with  the  whole  armor  of 
God  for  being  victorious  in  the  other,  are,  so  far  as 
these  nominal  Christians  are  concerned,  figures  of 
no  propriety  or  meaning.  As  little,  as  was  formerly 
shown,  have  they,  in  correspondence  with  the  scrip- 
ture descriptions  of  the  feelings  and  language  of  real 
Christians,  any  idea  of  acquiring  a  relish,  while  on 
earth,  for  the  worship  and  service  of  heaven.  If  the 
truth  must  be  told,  their  notion  is  rather  a  confused 
idea  of  future  gratification  in  heaven,  in  return  for 
having  put  a  force  upon  their  inclinations,  and  en- 
dured so  much  religion  while  on  earth. 

But  all  this  is  only  nominal  Christianit}^  which 
exhibits  an  infinitely  more  inadequate  image  of  her 
real  excellences,  than  the  cold  copyings,  by  some 


SYSTEM     OF    NOMINAL    CHRISTIANS.  22? 

insipid  pencil,  convey  of  the  force  and  grace  of  na- 
ture, or  of  Raphael.  In  the  language  of  Scripture, 
Christianity  is  not  a  geographical,  but  a  moral  term. 
It  is  not  the  being  a  native  of  a  Christian  country  : 
it  is  a  condition,  a  state  ;  the  possession  of  a  peculiar 
nature,  with  the  qualities  and  properties  which  be- 
long to  it. 

Farther  than  this  ;  it  is  a  state  into  which  we  are 
not  born,  but  into  which  we  must  be  translated ;  a 
nature  which  we  do  not  inherit,  but  into  which  we 
are  to  be  created  anew.  To  the  undeserved  grace  of 
God,  which  is  promised  on  our  use  of  the  appointed 
means,  we  must  be  indebted  for  the  attainment  of  this 
nature;  and  to  acquire  and  make  sure  of  it  is  that 
great  "work  of  our  salvation"  which  we  are  com- 
manded to  "  work  out  with  fear  and  trembling."  We 
are  every  where  reminded,  that  this  is  a  matter  of 
labor  and  difficulty,  requiring  continual  Avatchfulness, 
and  unceasing  effort,  and  unwearied  patience.  Even 
to  the  very  last,  towards  the  close  of  a  long  life  con- 
sumed in  active  service  or  in  cheerful  suffering,  we 
find  St.  Paul  himself  declaring  that  he  conceived 
bodily  self-denial  and  mental  discipline  to  be  indis- 
pensably necessary  to  his  very  safety.  Christians, 
who  are  really  worthy  of  the  name,  are  represented 
as  being  "made  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints 
in  light ;"  as  "  waiting  for  the  coming  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ ;"  as  "  looking  for  and  hastening  unto 
the  coming  of  the  day  of  God."  It  is  stated  as  being 
20 


230       DEFECTS  IN  THE  PRACTICAL 

enough  to  make  them  happy,  that  "  Christ  should  rd« 
ceive  them  to  himself;"  and  the  songs  of  the  blessed 
spirits  in  heaven  are  described  to  be  the  same  as 
those  in  which  the  servants  of  God  on  earth  pour 
forth  their  gratitude  and  adoration. 

Conscious  therefore  of  the  indispensable  necessity 
and  of  the  arduous  nature  of  the  service  in  which  he 
is  engaged,  the  true  Christian  sets  himself  to  the 
work  with  vigor,  and  prosecutes  it  with  diligence ; 
his  motto  is  that  of  the  painter — "  Nullus  dies  sine 
linea."  Fled  as  it  were  from  a  country  in  which  the 
plague  is  raging,  he  thinks  it  not  enough  just  to  pass 
the  boundary  line,  but  would  put  out  of  doubt  his  es- 
cape beyond  the  limits  of  infection.  Prepared  to 
meet  with  difficulties,  he  is  not  discouraged  when 
they  occur ;  warned  of  his  numerous  adversaries, 
he  is  not  alarmed  on  their  approach,  or  unprovided 
for  encountering  them.  He  knows  that  the  begin- 
ning of  every  new  course  may  be  expected  to  be 
rough  and  painful ;  but  he  is  assured  that  the  paths 
on  which  he  is  entering  will  ere  long  seem  smooth- 
er, and  become  indeed  "  paths  of  pleasantness  and 
peace." 

Now  of  the  state  of  such  an  one  the  expressions 
of  pilgrim  and  stranger  are  a  lively  description ;  and 
all  the  other  figures  and  images,  by  which  Christians 
are  represented  in  Scripture,  have  in  his  case  a  de- 
terminate meaning  and  a  just  application.  There  is 
indeed  none  by  which  the  Christian's  state  on  earth 


SYSTEM    OF    NOMINAL    CHRISTIANS.  231 

is  in  the  word  of  God  more  frequently  imaged,  or 
more  happily  illustrated,  than  by  that  of  a  journey  : 
and  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  pause  for  a  while  in  order 
to  survey  it  under  that  resemblance.  The  Christian 
is  traveling  on  business  through  a  strange  country, 
in  which  he  is  commanded  to  execute  his  work  with 
diligence,  and  pursue  his  course  homeward  with 
alacrity.  The  fruits  which  he  sees  by  the  way-side 
he  gathers  with  caution ;  he  drinks  of  the  streams 
with  moderation ;  he  is  thankful  when  the  sun  shines, 
and  his  way  is  pleasant ;  but  if  it  be  rough  and  rainy, 
he  cares  not  much,  he  is  but  a  traveler.  He  is  pre- 
pared for  vicissitudes  ;  he  knows  that  he  must  expect 
to  meet  with  them  in  the  stormy  and  uncertain  cli- 
mate of  this  world.  But  he  is  traveling  to  a  "  better 
country,"  a  country  of  unclouded  light  and  undis- 
turbed serenity.  He  finds  also,  by  experience,  that 
when  he  has  had  the  least  of  external  comforts,  he 
has  always  been  least  disposed  to  loiter ;  and  if  for 
the  time  it  be  a  little  disagreeable,  he  can  solace  him- 
self with  the  idea  of  his  being  thereby  forwarded  in 
his  course.  In  a  less  unfavorable  season,  he  looks 
round  with  an  eye  of  observation ;  he  admires  what 
is  beautiful ;  he  examines  what  is  curious ;  he  re- 
ceives with  complacency  the  refreshments  set  before 
him,  and  enjoys  them  with  thankfulness.  Nor 
does  he  churlishly  refuse  to  associate  with  the  in- 
habitants of  the  country  through  which  he  is  pass- 
ing.   But  he  neither  suffers  pleasure,  nor  curiosity, 


232       DEFECTS  IN  THE  PRACTICAL 

nor  society  to  take  up  his  time;  and  is  still  intent 
on  transacting  the  business  he  has  to  execute,  and 
on  prosecuting-  the  journey  he  is  ordered  to  pursue. 
He  knows  that  to  the  very  end  of  life  his  journey  will 
be  through  a  country  in  which  he  has  many  ene- 
mies; that  his  way  is  beset  with  snares;  that  temp- 
tations throng  around  him,  to  seduce  him  from  his 
course,  or  check  his  advancement  in  it ;  that  the 
very  air  disposes  to  drowsiness,  and  that  therefore 
to  the  very  last  it  will  be  requisite  for  him  to  be  cir- 
cumspect and  collected.  Often  therefore  he  examines 
w^hereabouts  he  is,  how  he  has  got  forward,  and 
whether  or  not  he  is  traveling  in  the  right  direction. 
Sometimes  he  seems  to  himself  to  make  considera- 
ble progress;  sometimes  he  advances  but  slowly; 
too  often  he  finds  reason  to  fear  that  he  has  fallen 
backward  in  his  course.  Now  he  is  cheered  w-ith 
hope,  and  gladdened  by  success ;  now  he  is  disqui- 
eted by  doubts,  and  damped  by  disappointments. 
Thus,  while  to  nominal  Christians  religion  is  a  dull 
uniform  thing,  and  they  have  no  conception  of  the 
desires  and  disappointments,  the  hopes  and  fears,  the 
joys  and  sorrows  which  it  is  calculated  to  bring  into 
exercise  ;  in  the  true  Christian  all  is  life  and  motion, 
and  his  great  work  calls  forth  the  various  passions 
of  the  soul.  Let  it  not  therefore  be  imagined  that 
his  is  a  state  of  unenlivened  toil  and  hardship.  His 
very  labors  are  "  the  labors  of  love  ;"  if  "  ho  has 
need  of  patience,"  it  is  "the  patience  of  hope ;"  and 


SYSTEM    OF    NOMINAL    CHRISTIANS.  233 

he  is  cheered  in  his  work  by  the  constant  assurance 
of  present  support  and  of  final  victory.  Let  it  not  be 
forgotten,  that  this  is  the  very  idea  given  us  of  hap- 
piness by  one  of  the  ablest  examiners  of  the  human 
mind  ;  "  a  constant  employment  for  a  desired  end, 
with  the  consciousness  of  continual  progress."  So 
true  is  the  scripture  declaration,  that  "  godliness  has 
the  promise  of  the  life  that  now  is,  as  well  as  of  that 
which  is  to  come." 

Our  review  of  the  character  of  the  bulk  of  nomi- 
nal Christians  has  exhibited  abundant  proofs  of 
their  defectiveness  in  that  great  constituent  of  the 
true  Christian  character,  the  love  of  God.  Many  in- 
stances, in  proof  of  this  assertion,  have  been  pointed 
out ;  and  the  charge  is  in  itself  so  obvious,  that  it 
were  superfluous  to  spend  much  time  in  endeavoring 
to  establish  it.  Put  the  question  fairly  to  the  test. 
Concerning  the  proper  marks  and  evidences  of  af- 
fection there  can  be  little  dispute.  Let  the  most  can- 
did investigator  examine  the  character,  and  conduct, 
and  language  of  the  persons  of  whom  we  have  been 
speaking,  and  he  will  be  compelled  to  acknowledge 
that,  so  far  as  love  towards  the  Supreme  Being  is  in 
question,  these  marks  and  evidences  are  no  where  to 
be  met  with.  It  is  in  itself  a  decisive  evidence  of  a 
contrary  feeling  in  those  nominal  Christians,  that 
they  find  no  pleasure  in  the  service  and  worship  oi 
(iod.  Their  devotional  acts  resemble  less  the  free- 
will offerings  of  a  grateful  heart,  than  that  constrain- 
20* 


234       DEFECTS  IN  THE  PRACTICAL 

ed  and  reluctant  homage  exacted  by  some  hard  mas- 
ter from  his  oppressed  dependents,  and  paid  with 
cold  suUenness  and  slavish  apprehension.  It  was 
the  very  charge  brought  by  God  against  his  ungrate- 
ful people  of  old,  that,  while  they  called  him  Sove- 
reign and  Father,  they  withheld  from  him  the  re- 
gards which  severally  belong  to  those  respected  and 
endearing  appellations.  Thus  we  likewise  think  it 
enough  to  offer  to  the  most  excellent  and  amiable  of 
beings,  to  our  supreme  and  unwearied  Benefactor, 
a  dull,  artificial,  heartless  gratitude,  of  which  we 
should  be  ashamed  in  the  case  of  a  fellow-creature 
who  had  ever  so  small  a  claim  on  our  regard  and 
thankfulness ! 

It  may  be  of  infinite  use  to  establish  in  our  minds 
a  strong  and  habitual  sense  of  that  first  and  great 
commandment,  •'  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God 
with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  mind,  and  with 
all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  strength."  This  mo- 
tive, operative  and  vigorous  in  its  very  nature,  like 
a  master  spring,  would  put  and  maintain  in  action 
all  the  complicated  movements  of  the  human  soul. 
Soon  also  would  it  terminate  many  questions  con- 
cerning certain  compliances  ;  questions  which,  with 
other  similar  difficulties,  are  often  only  the  cold  off- 
spring of  a  spirit  of  reluctant  submission,  and  cannot 
stand  the  encounter  of  this  trying  principle.  If,  for 
example,  it  were  disputed  whether  or  not  the  law  of 
God  were  so  strict  as  had  been  stated,  in  condemn- 


SYSTEM    OF    NOMINAL    CHRISTIANS.  235 

ing  the  slightest  infraction  of  its  precepts ;  yet  when, 
from  the  precise  demands  of  justice,  the  appeal 
should  be  made  to  the  more  generous  principle  of 
love,  there  would  be  at  once  an  end  of  the  discus- 
sion. Fear  will  deter  from  acknowledged  crimes,  and 
self-interest  will  bribe  to  laborious  services ;  but  it 
is  the  peculiar  glory  and  the  very  characteristic  of 
this  more  generous  passion,  to  show  itself  in  ten 
thousand  little  and  undefinable  acts  of  sedulous  at- 
tention, Avhich  love  alone  can  pay,  and  of  which, 
when  paid,  love  alone  can  estimate  the  value.  Love 
outruns  the  deductions  of  reasoning;  it  scorns  the 
refuge  of  casuistry;  it  requires  not  the  slow  process 
of  laborious  and  undeniable  proof  that  an  action 
would  be  injurious  and  offensive,  or  another  benefi- 
cial or  gratifying,  to  the  object  of  affection.  The 
least  hint,  the  slightest  surmise  is  sufficient  to  make 
it  start  from  the  former,  and  fly  with  eagerness  to 
the  latter. 

There  has  been  much  argument  concerning  the 
lawfulness  of  theatrical  amusements.*  Let  it  be 
sufficient  to  remark,  that  the  controversy  would  be 
short  indeed,  if  the  question  were  to  be  tried  by  this 
criterion  of  love  to  the  Supreme  Being.  If  there 
were  any  thing  of  that  sensibility  for  the  honor  of 
God,  and  of  that  zeal  in  his  service  which  we  show 


♦  It  is  almost  unnecessary  to  remark,  that  the  word  is  tc 
be  understood  in  a  large  sense  as  including  the  opera,  &c. 


236  DEFECTS    IN    THE    PRACTICAL 

in  behalf  of  our  earthly  friends,  or  of  our  political 
connections,  should  we  seek  our  pleasure  in  that 
place  which  the  debauchee,  inflamed  with  wine,  or 
bent  on  the  gratification  of  other  licentious  appetites, 
finds  most  congenial  to  his  state  and  temper  of  mind  1 
In  that  place,  from  the  neighborhood  of  which  (how 
justly  termed  a  school  of  morals  might  hence  alone 
be  inferred)  decorum,  and  modesty,  and  regularity 
retire,  while  riot  and  lewdness  are  invited  to  the  spot, 
and  invariably  select  it  for  their  chosen  residence ! 
where  the  sacred  name  of  God  is  often  profaned ! 
where  sentiments  are  often  heard  with  delight,  and 
motions  and  gestures  often  applauded,  which  would 
not  be  tolerated  in  private  company,  but  which  may 
far  exceed  the  utmost  license  allowed  in  the  social 
circle,  without  at  all  transgressing  theatrical  deco- 
rum !  where,  when  moral  principles  are  inculcated, 
they  are  not  such  as  a  Christian  ought  to  cherish  in 
his  bosom,  but  such  as  it  must  be  his  daily  endeavor 
to  extirpate;  not  those  which  Scripture  warrants, 
but  those  which  it  condemns  as  false  and  spurious, 
being  founded  in  pride  and  ambition,  and  the  over- 
valuation of  human  favor!  where  surely,  if  a  Chris- 
tian should  trust  himself  at  all,  it  would  be  requisite 
for  him  to  prepare  himself  with  a  double  portion  of 
watchfulness  and  seriousness  of  mind,  instead  of  se- 
lecting it  as  the  place  in  which  he  may  throw  off 
his  guard,  and  unbend  without  danger !  The  just- 
ness of  this  last  remark,  and  the  general  tendency  of 


SYSTEM    OF    NOMINAL    CHRISTIANS.  237 

theatrical  amusements,  is  attested  by  the  same  well- 
instructed  master  in  the  science  of  human  life,  to 
whom  we  had  before  occasion  to  refer.  By  him 
they  are  recommended  as  the  most  efficacious  expe- 
dient for  relaxing,  among  any  people,  that  "  precise- 
ness  and  austerity  of  morals,"  to  use  his  own  phrase, 
which,  under  the  name  of  holiness,  it  is  the  business 
of  Scripture  to  inculcate  and  enforce.  Nor  is  this 
position  merely  theoretical.  The  experiment  was 
tried,  and  tried  successfully,  in  a  city  upon  the  conti- 
nent, Geneva,  in  which  it  was  wished  to  corrupt  the 
simple  morality  of  purer  times. 

Let  us  try  the  question  by  a  parallel  instance. 

What  judgment  should  we  form  of  the  warmth  of 
that  man's  attachment  to  his  sovereign,  who,  at  sea- 
sons of  recreation,  should  seek  his  pleasures  in 
scenes  as  ill  accordant  with  the  principle  of  loyalty 
as  those  of  which  we  have  been  speaking  are  with 
the  genius  of  religion?  If  for  this  purpose  he  were 
to  select  the  place  and  frequent  the  amusements  to 
which  rebels  should  love  to  resort  for  entertainment, 
and  in  which  they  should  find  themselves  so  much 
at  home  as  invariably  to  select  the  spot  for  their 
abiding  habitation ;  where  dialogue,  and  song,  and 
the  intelligible  language  of  gesticulation  should  be 
used  to  convey  ideas  and  sentiments,  not  perhaps 
palpably  treasonable,  or  directly  falling  within  the 
strict  precision  of  any  legal  limits,  but  yet  palpably 
contrary  to  the   spirit  of  the    government!    What 


238       DEFECTS  IN  THE  PRACTICAL 

opinion  should  we  form  of  the  delicacy  of  that  friend- 
ship, or  of  the  fidelity  of  that  love,  which,  in  relation 
to  their  respective  objects,  should  exhibit  the  same 
contradictions  ? 

In  truth,  the  very  different  way  in  which  we  allow 
ourselves  to  act,  and  speak,  and  feel,  where  God  is 
concerned,  from  that  which  we  require,  or  even  prac- 
tice in  the  case  of  our  fellow-creatures,  is  in  itself  the 
most  decisive  proof  that  the  principle  of  the  love  of 
God,  if  not  altogether  extinct  in  us,  is  at  least  in 
the  lowest  possible  degree  of  languor. 

From  examining  the  degree  in  which  the  bulk  of 
nominal  Christians  are  defective  in  the  love  of  God, 
if  we  proceed  to  inquire  concerning  the  strength  of 
their  love  towards  their  fellow-creatures,  the  writer 
is  well  aware  of  its  being  generally  held,  that  here 
at  least  they  may  rather  challenge  praise  than  sub- 
mit to  censure.  And  the  many  beneficent  institu- 
tions in  which  this  country  abounds,  probably  above 
every  other,  whether  in  ancient  or  modern  times, 
may  be  perhaps  appealed  to  in  proof  of  the  opinion. 
Much  of  what  might  have  been  otherwise  urged  in 
the  discussion  of  this  topic,  has  been  anticipated  in 
the  inquiry  into  the  grounds  of  the  extravagant  esti- 
mation assigned  to  amiable  tempers  and  useful  lives, 
when  unconnected  with  religious  principle.  What 
was  then  stated  may  serve  in  many  cases  to  lower, 
in  the  present  instance,  the  loftiness  of  the  preten- 
sions of  these  nominal.Christians;  and  we  shall  here- 


SYSTEM    OF    NOMINAL    CHRISTIANS.  239 

after  have  occasion  to  mention  another  consideration, 
of  which  the  effect  must  be,  still  further  to  reduce 
their  claims.  Meanwhile  let  it  suffice  to  remark, 
that  a  vigorous  principle  of  philanthropy  must  not 
be  at  once  conceded,  on  the  ground  of  liberal  bene- 
factions to  the  poor,  in  the  case  of  one  who,  by  his 
liberality  in  this  respect,  is  curtailed  in  no  necessary, 
is  abridged  of  no  luxury,  is  put  to  no  trouble  either 
of  thought  or  of  action  ;  who,  not  to  impute  a  desire 
of  being  praised  for  his  benevolence,  is  injured  in 
no  man's  estimation ;  in  whom  also  familiarity  with 
large  sums  has  produced  that  freedom  in  the  ex- 
penditure of  money,  which,  thereby  affording  a  fresh 
illustration  of  the  justice  of  the  old  proverb,  "  Fa- 
miliarity breeds  contempt,"  never  fails  to  operate, 
except  in  minds  under  the  influence  of  a  strong  prin- 
ciple of  avarice. 

Our  conclusion,  perhaps,  would  be  less  favora- 
ble, but  not  less  fair,  if  we  were  to  try  the  characters 
in  question  by  those  surer  tests,  which  are  stated 
by  the  apostle  to  be  less  ambiguous  marks  of  a  real 
spirit  of  philanthropy.  The  strength  of  every  pas- 
sion is  to  be  estimated  by  its  victory  over  passions  of 
an  opposite  nature.  What  judgment  then  shall  we 
form  of  the  force  of  the  benevolence  of  the  age,  when 
measured  by  this  standard  ?  How  does  it  stand  the 
shock,  when  i:  comes  into  encounter  with  our  pride, 
our  vanity,  our  self-love,  our  self-interest,  our  love  of 
ease  or  of  pleasure,  with  our  ambition,  with  our  ds- 


240  DEFECTS    IN    THE    PRACTICAL 

sire  of  worldly  estimaijon  ?  Does  it  make  us  self-d6» 
nying,  that  we  may  be  liberal  in  relieving  others? 
Does  it  make  us  persevere  in  doing  good  in  spite  of 
ingratitude;  and  only  pity  the  ignorance,  or  preju- 
dice, or  malice  which  misrepresents  our  conduct,  or 
misconstrues  our  motives'?  Does  it  make  us  forbear 
from  what  we  conceive  may  probably  prove  the  occa- 
sion of  harm  to  a  fellow-creature ;  though  the  harm 
should  not  seem  naturally  or  even  fairly  to  flow  from 
our  conduct,  but  to  be  the  result  only  of  his  own  ob- 
stinacy or  weakness  ?  Are  we  slow  to  believe  any 
thing  to  our  neighbor's  disadvantage?  and  when  we 
cannot  but  credit  it,  are  we  disposed  to  cover,  and  as 
iar  as  we  justly  can,  rather  to  palliate  than  to  divulge 
or  aggravate  it?  Suppose  an  opportunity  to  occur  of 
performing  a  kindness  to  one  who,  from  pride  or 
vanity,  should  be  loth  to  receive,  or  to  be  known  to 
receive  a  favor  from  us ;  should  we  honestly  endea- 
vor, so  far  as  we  could  with  truth,  to  lessen  in  his 
own  mind  and  in  that  of  others  the  merit  of  our  good 
offices,  and  by  so  doing  dispose  him  to  receive  them 
with  diminished  reluctance  ?  This  end,  however, 
must  be  accomplished,  if  to  be  accomplished  at  all,  by 
a  simple  and  fair  explanation  of  the  circumstances, 
which  may  render  the  action  in  no  wise  inconveni- 
ent to  ourselves,  though  highly  beneficial  to  another ; 
not  by  speeches  of  affected  disparagement,  which  we 
might  easily  foresee,  and  in  fact  do  foresee,  must  pro- 
duce the  contrary  effect.    Can   we,  from  motives  of 


SYSTEM    OF    NOMliNAL    CHRISTIANS.  241 

kindness,  incur  or  risk  the  charge  of  being  defi- 
cient in  spirit,  in  penetration,  or  in  foresight  1  Do  we 
tell  another  of  his  faults,  when  the  communication, 
though  probably  beneficial  to  him,  cannot  be  made 
without  embarrassment  or  pain  to  ourselves,  and  may 
probably  lessen  his  regard  for  our  person,  or  his 
opinion  of  our  judgment?  Can  we  stifle  a  repartee 
which  would  wound  another  ;  though  the  utterance  of 
it  would  gratify  our  vanity,  and  the  suppression  of  it 
may  disparage  our  character  for  wit  ?  If  any  one  ad- 
vance a  mistaken  proposition,  in  an  instance  wherein 
the  error  may  be  mischievous  to  him  ;  can  we,  to  the 
prejudice  perhaps  of  our  credit  for  discernment,  for- 
bear to  contradict  him  in  public,  if  it  be  probable  that 
in  so  doing,  by  piquing  his  pride,  we  might  only 
harden  him  in  his  error  ?  and  can  we  reserve  our 
counsel  for  some  more  favorable  season,  Avhen  it 
may  be  communicated  without  offence?  If  we  have 
recommended  to  any  one  a  particular  line  of  conduct, 
or  have  pointed  out  the  probable  mischiefs  of  the  op- 
posite course,  and  if  our  admonitions  have  been  neg- 
lected, are  we  really  hurt  when  our  predictions  of 
evil  are  accomplished?  Is  our  love  superior  to  envy, 
and  jealousy,  and  emulation  ?  Are  we  acute  to  dis- 
cern and  forward  to  embrace  any  fair  opportunity  of 
promoting  the  interest  of  another ;  if  it  be  in  a  line 
v/herein  we  ourselves  also  are  moving,  and  in  which 
we  think  our  progress  has  not  been  proportioned  to 
our  desert?  Can  we  take  pleasure  in  bringing  his 
2i 


242  DEFECTS    IN    THE    PRACTICAL 

merits  into  notice,  and  in  obviating  the  prejudices 
which  may  have  damped  his  efforts,  or  in  removing 
the  obstacles  which  may  have  retarded  his  advance- 
ment 1  If  even  to  this  extent  we  should  be  able  to 
stand  the  scrutiny,  let  it  be  farther  asked  how,  in  the 
case  of  our  enemies,  do  we  correspond  with  the  scrip- 
ture representations  of  love  ?  Are  we  meek  under 
provocations,  ready  to  forgive,  and  apt  to  forget  inju- 
ries? Can  we,  with  sincerity,  "  bless  them  that  curse 
us,  do  good  to  them  that  hate  us,  and  pray  for  them 
which  despitefully  use  us,  and  persecute  us  ?"  Do 
we  prove  to  the  Searcher  of  hearts  a  real  spirit  of  for- 
giveness, by  our  forbearing  not  only  from  avenging 
an  injury  when  it  is  in  our  power,  but  even  from  tell- 
ing to  any  one  how  ill  we  have  been  used;  and  that  too 
when  we  are  not  kept  silent  by  a  consciousness  that 
we  should  lose  credit  by  divulging  the  circumstance? 
And  lastly,  can  we  not  only  be  content  to  return  our 
enemies  good  for  evil,  (for  this  return,  as  has  been 
remarked  by  one  of  the  greatest  of  uninspired  au- 
thorities,* may  be  prompted  by  pride  and  repaid  by 
self-complacency,)  but,  when  they  are  successful  or 
unsuccessful  without  our  having  contributed  to  their 
good  or  ill  fortune,  can  we  not  only  be  content,  but 
cordially  rejoice  in  their  prosperity,  or  sympathize 
with  their  distresses? 

These  are  but  a  few  specimens  of  the  characteris- 
tic marks  which  might  be  staled  of  a  true  predomi- 
♦  Lord  Bacon 


SYSTEM     OF    NOMINAL    CURISTIANS.  243 

nant  benevolence :  yet  even  these  may  serve  to  con- 
vince us  how  far  the  bulk  of  nominal  Christians  fall 
short  of  the  requisitions  of  Scripture,  even  in  that  par- 
ticular which  exhibits  their  character  in  the  most 
favorable  point  of  view.  The  truth  is,  we  do  not 
enough  call  to  mind  the  exalted  tone  of  scripture  mo- 
rality, and  are  therefore  apt  to  value  ourselves  on  the 
heights  to  which  we  attain,  when  a  better  acquaint- 
ance with  our  standard  would  have  convinced  us  of 
our  falling  far  short  of  the  elevation  prescribed  to  us. 
It  is  in  the  very  instance  of  the  most  difficult  of  the 
duties  lately  specified,  the  forgiveness  and  love  of 
enemies,  that  our  Savior  points  out  to  our  imitation 
the  example  of  our  Supreme  Benefactor.  After  stat- 
ing that,  by  being  kind  and  courteous  to  those  who, 
even  in  the  world's  opinion,  had  a  title  to  our  good  of- 
fices and  good  will,  we  should  in  vain  set  up  a  claim 
to  christian  benevolence,  he  emphatically  adds,  "Be 
ye  therefore  perfect,  even  as  your  Father  which  is 
in  heaven  is  perfect." 

We  must  here  again  resort  to  the  topic  of  theatri- 
cal amusements ;  and  recommend  their  advocates  to 
consider  them  in  connection  with  the  duty  of  which 
we  have  now  been  exhibiting  some  of  the  leading 
characters. 

It  is  an  undeniable  fact,  for  the  truth  of  which  we 
may  safely  appeal  to  every  age  and  nation,  that  the 
situation  of  the  performers  is  remarkably  unfavora- 
ble to  the  maintenance  and  growth  of  religious  and 


244  DEFECTS    IN    THE    PRACTICAL 

moral  principle,  and  of  course  highly  dangerous  ta 
their  eternal  interests.  Might  it  not  then  be  fairly 
asked,  how  far,  in  all  who  confess  the  truth  of  this 
position,  it  is  consistent  with  the  sensibility  of  cTiris- 
tian  benevolence,  merely  for  the  entertainment  of  an 
idle  hour,  to  encourage  the  continuance  of  any  of 
their  fellow-creatures  in  such  a  way  of  life,  and  to 
take  a  part  in  tempting  any  others  to  enter  into  it? 
how  far,  considering  that,  by  their  own  concession, 
they  are  employing  Avhatever  they  spend  in  this  way 
in  sustaining  and  advancing  the  cause  of  vice,  and 
consequently  in  promoting  misery,  they  are  herein 
bestowing  this  share  of  their  wealth  in  a  manner 
agreeable  to  the  intentions  of  their  holy  and  benevo- 
lent Benefactor  ?  how  far  also  they  are  not  in  this  in- 
stance the  rather  criminal,  from  there  being  so  many 
sources  of  innocent  pleasure  open  to  their  enjoyment? 
how  far  they  are  acting  conformably  to  that  golden 
principle  of  doing  to  others  as  we  would  they  should 
do  to  us  ?  how  far  they  harmonize  with  the  spirit  of 
the  apostle's  declaration,  that  he  would  deny  himself 
for  his  whole  life  the  most  innocent  indulgence,  nay, 
what  might  seem  almost  an  absolute  necessary,  ra- 
ther than  cause  his  weak  fellow-christian  to  offend? 
or,  lastly,  how  far  they  are  influenced  by  the  solemn 
language  of  our  Savior  himself;  "  It  needs  must  b(i 
that  offences  come,  but  wo  to  that  man  by  whom 
the  offence  cometh  ;  it  were  better  for  him  that  a  mill- 
stone were  hanged  about  his  neck,  and  that  he  were 


SYSTEM    OF    NOMINAL    CHRISTIANS.  245 

cast  into  the  depths  of  the  sea?"  The  present  in- 
stance is  perhaps  another  example  of  our  taking 
greater  concern  in  the  temporal  than  in  the  spiritual 
interests  of  our  fellow-creatures.  That  man  would  be 
deemed,  and  justly  deemed,  of  an  inhuman  temper, 
who  in  these  days  were  to  seek  his  amusement  in  the 
combat  of  gladiators  and  prize-fighters ;  yet  Chris- 
tians appear  conscious  of  no  inconsistency  in  finding 
their  pleasure  in  spectacles  maintained  at  the  risk,  at 
least,  if  not  the  ruin  of  the  eternal  happiness  of  those 
who  perform  in  them  ! 

SECTION  VI. 

Grand  defect. — Neglect  of  the  peculiar  doctrines  of 
Chrislianity. 

But  the  grand  radical  defect  in  the  practical  system 
of  these  nominal  Christians,  is  their  forgetfulness 
of  all  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  the  religion  which 
they  profess — the  corruption  of  human  nature ;  the 
atonement  of  the  Savior ;  and  the  sanctifying  influ- 
ence of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Here  then  we  come  again  to  the  grand  distinction 
between  the  religion  of  Christ  and  that  of  the  bulk 
of  nominal  Christians  in  the  present  day.  The  point 
is  of  the  utmost  practical  importance,  and  we  would 
therefore  trace  it  into  its  actual  effects. 

There  are,  it  is  to  be  apprehended,  not  a  few  who 
having  been  for  some  time  hurried  down  the  stream 
21» 


246  NEGLECT    OF    THE    PECULIAR 

of  dissipation  in  the  indulgence  of  all  their  natural 
appetites,  except,  perhaps,  that  they  were  restrained 
from  very  gross  vice  by  a  regard  to  character,  or  by 
the  yet  unsubdued  voice  of  conscience ;  and  who, 
having  al]  the  while  thought  little,  or  scarcely  at  all, 
about  religion,  "  living,"  to  use  the  emphalical  lan- 
guage of  Scripture,  "  without  God  in  the  world," 
become  in  some  degree  impressed  with  a  sense  of 
the  infinite  importance  of  religion.  A  fit  of  sickness, 
perhaps,  or  the  loss  of  some  friend  or  much  loved 
relative,  or  some  other  stroke  of  adverse  fortune, 
damps  their  spirits,  awakens  them  to  a  practical  con- 
viction of  the  precariousness  of  all  human  things,  and 
turns  them  to  seek  for  some  more  stable  foundation 
of  happiness  than  this  world  can  afford.  Looking 
into  themselves  ever  so  little,  they  become  sensible 
that  they  must  have  offended  God.  They  resolve  ac- 
cordingly to  set  about  the  work  of  reformation.  Here 
it  is  that  we  shall  recognize  the  fatal  effects  of  the 
prevailing  ignorance  of  the  real  nature  of  Christiani- 
ty, and  the  general  forgetfulness  of  its  grand  pecu- 
liarities. These  men  wish  to  reform,  but  they  know 
neither  the  real  nature  of  their  distemper  nor  its 
true  remedy.  They  are  aware,  indeed,  that  they 
must  "  cease  to  do  evil,  and  learn  to  do  well ;"  that 
they  must  relinquish  their  habits  of  vice,  and  attend 
more  or  less  to  the  duties  of  religion  ;  but  having  no 
conception  of  the  actual  malignity  of  the  disease  un- 
der which  they  labor,  or  of  the  perfect  cure  which 


DOCTRINES    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  247 

the  Gospel  has  provided  for  it,  or  of  the  manner  in 
which  that  cure  is  lo  be  effected, 

"  They  do  but  skim  and  film  the  ulcerous  place, 
••'  While  rank  corruption,  mining  all  within, 
'•Infects  unseen." 

It  often  happens  therefore  but  too  naturally  in  this 
case,  that  where  they  do  not  soon  desist  from  their 
attempt  at  reformation,  and  relapse  into  their  old 
habits  of  sin,  they  take  up  with  a  partial  and  scanty 
amendment,  and  fondly  flatter  themselves  that  it  is 
a  thorough  change.  They  now  conceive  that  they 
have  a  right  to  take  to  themselves  the  comforts  of 
Christianity.  Not  being  able  to  raise  their  practice 
up  to  their  standard  of  right,  they  lower  their  stan- 
dard to  their  practice :  they  sit  down  for  life  con- 
tented with  their  present  attainments,  beguiled  by  the 
complacencies  of  their  own  minds,  and  by  the  favor- 
able testimony  of  surrounding  friends ;  and  it  often 
happens,  particularly  where  there  is  any  degree  of 
strictness  in  formal  and  ceremonial  observances,  that 
there  are  no  people  more  jealous  of  their  character 
for  religion. 

Others,  perhaps,  go  farther  than  this.  The  dread 
of  the  wrath  to  come  has  sunk  deeper  into  their 
hearts ;  and  for  a  while  they  strive  with  all  their 
might  to  resist  their  evil  propensities,  and  to  walk 
without  stumbling  in  the  path  of  duty.  Again  and 
again  they  resolve     again  and  again   they  break 


248       NEGLECT  OF  THE  PECULIAR 

their  resolutions.*  All  their  endeavors  are  foiled, 
and  they  become  more  and  more  convinced  of  their 
own  moral  weakness,  and  of  the  strength  of  their  in- 
dwelling corruption.  Thus  groaning  under  the  en- 
slaving power  of  sin,  and  experiencing  the  futility 
of  the  utmost  efforts  which  they  can  use  for  effecting 
their  deliverance,  they  are  tempted  to  give  up  all  in 
despair,  and  to  acquiesce  under  their  wretched  cap- 
tivity, conceiving  it  impossible  to  break  their  chains. 
Sometimes,  probably,  it  even  happens  that  they  are 
driven  to  seek  for  refuge  from  their  disquietude  in 
the  suggestions  of  infidelity,  and  to  quiet  their  trou- 
blesome consciences  by  arguments  which  they  them- 
selves scarcely  believe,  at  the  very  moment  in  which 
they  suffer  themselves  to  be  lulled  asleep  by  them. 
In  the  mean  time,  while  this  conflict  has  been  going 
on,  their  walk  is  sad  and  comfortless,  and  their  couch 
is  nightly  watered  with  tears.  These  men  are  pur- 
suing the  right  object,  but  they  mistake  the  way  in 
which  it  is  to  be  obtained.  The  path  in  which  they 
are  now  treading  is  not  that  which  the  Gospel  has 
provided  for  conducting  them  to  true  holiness,  nor 
will  they  find  in  it  any  solid  peace. 

Persons  under  these  circumstances  naturally  seek 
for  religious  instruction.    They  turn  over  the  works 

*  If  any  one  would  read  a  description  of  this  process,  en- 
livened and  enforced  by  the  powers  of  the  most  exquisite 
poetry,  let  him  peruse  the  middle  and  latter  part  of  the  fifth 
book  of  Cowper's  Task. 


DOCTRINES    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  249 

of  our  modern  religionists,  and  as  well  as  they  can 
collect  the  advice  addressed  to  men  in  their  situation, 
the  substance  of  it  is,  at  the  best,  of  this  sort:  "  Be 
sorry  indeed  for  your  sins,  and  discontinue  the 
practice  of  them,  but  do  not  make  yourselves  so  un- 
easy. Christ  died  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world. 
Do  your  utmost ;  discharge  with  fidelity  the  duties 
of  your  stations,  not  neglecting  your  religious  offi- 
ces ;  and  fear  not  but  that  in  the  end  all  will  go  well ; 
and  that  having  thus  performed  the  conditions  re- 
quired on  your  part,  you  will  at  last  obtain  forgive- 
ness of  our  merciful  Creator,  through  the  merits  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  be  aided,  where  your  own  strength 
shall  be  insufficient,  by  the  assistance  of  his  Holy 
Spirit.  Meanwhile  you  cannot  do  better  than  read 
carefully  such  books  of  practical  divinity  as  will  in- 
struct you  in  the  principles  of  a  Christian  life.  We 
are  excellently  furnished  with  works  of  this  nature; 
and  it  is  by  the  diligent  study  of  them  that  you  will 
gradually  become  a  proficient  in  the  lessons  of  the 
Gospel." 

But  the  holy  Scriptures  call  upon  those  who  art 
in  the  circumstances  above  stated,  to  lay  afresh  the 
whole  foundation  of  their  religion ;  gratefully  to 
adore  that  undeserved  goodness  which  has  awaken- 
ed them  from  the  sleep  of  death ;  to  prostrate  them- 
selves before  the  cross  of  Christ  with  humble  peni- 
tence and  deep  self-abhorrence  ;  solemnly  resolving 
to  forsake  all  their  sins,  but  relying  on  the  grace  of 


250       NEGLECT  OF  THE  PECULIAR 

God  alone  for  power  to  keep  their  resolution.  Thus, 
and  thus  only,  do  they  assure  them  that  all  their 
crimes  Avill  be  blotted  out,  and  that  they  will  receive 
from  above  a  new  living  principle  of  holiness.  "  Be- 
lieve in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  thou  shalt  b« 
saved."  "  JAo  man,"  says  our  blessed  Savior,  "  Com- 
eth unto  '.he  Father  but  by  me."  "  I  am  the  true 
vine.  As  the  branch  cannot  bear  fruit  of  itself  ex- 
cept it  abide  in  the  vine,  no  more  can  ye  except  ye 
abide  in  me."  "  He  that  abideth  in  me  and  I  in  him, 
the  same  bringeth  forth  much  fruit ;  for  without," 
or  severed  from  "me,  ye  can  do  nothing."  "  by 
grace  are  ye  saved,  through  faith,  and  that  not  of 
yourselves,  it  is  the  gift  of  God ;  not  of  works,  lest 
any  man  should  boast :  for  we  are  his  workmanship, 
created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works." 

Let  us  not  be  thought  tedious,  or  be  accused  of 
running  into  needless  repetitions,  in  pressing  this 
point  with  so  much  earnestness.  It  is  in  fact  a 
point  which  can  never  be  too  much  insisted  on.  It 
is  the  cardinal  point,  on  which  the  whole  of  Chris- 
tianity turns ;  on  which  it  is  peculiarly  proper  in 
this  place  to  be  perfectly  distinct.  There  have  been 
some  who  have  imagined  that  the  wrath  of  God 
was  to  be  deprecated,  or  his  favor  conciliated  by 
austerities  and  penances,  or  even  by  forms  and  cere- 
monies, and  external  observances.  But  all  men  of 
enlightened  understandings,  who  acknowledge  the 
moral  government  of  God,  must  also  acknowledge 


DOCTRINES    OF    CHRIIfTIANlTY.  151 

that  vice  must  offend  and  virtue  delight  him.  In 
short  they  must,  more  or  less,  assent  to  the  scripture 
declaration,  "  Without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the 
Lord."  But  the  grand  distinction  which  subsists 
between  the  true  Christian  and  all  other  religionists, 
is  concerning  the  nature  of  this  holiness,  and  the 
way  in  which  it  is  to  be  obtained.  The  views  en- 
tertained by  the  latter  of  the  nature  of  holiness, 
are  of  all  degrees  of  inadequateness  :  and  they  con- 
ceive it  is  to  be  obtained  by  their  own  natural  unas- 
sisted efforts :  or  if  they  admit  some  vague  indistinct 
notion  of  the  assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  it  is  un- 
questionably obvious,  on  conversing  with  them,  that 
this  does  not  constitute  the  main  practical  ground  of 
their  dependence.  But  the  nature  of  the  holiness  to 
which  the  desires  of  the  true  Christian  are  directed, 
is  no  other  than  the  restoration  of  the  image  of  God ; 
and  as  to  the  manner  of  acquiring  it,  disclaiming 
with  indignation  every  idea  of  attaining  it  by  his 
own  strength,  all  his  hopes  of  possessing  it  rest  al- 
together on  the  divine  assurances  of  the  operation  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  in  those  who  cordially  embrace  the 
Gospel  of  Christ.  lie  knows  therefore  that  this 
holiness  is  not  to  precede  his  reconciliation  to  God, 
and  be  its  cause ;  but  to  folloio  it,  and  be  its  effect. 
That,  in  short,  it  is  by  faith  in  Christ  only*  that 
he  is  to  be  justified  in  the  sight  of  God ;   to  be 

♦  Here  again  let  it  be  remarked,  that  faith,  where  genu- 
ine  at^v'ays  supposes  repentance,  abhorrence  of  sin,  &c,    ,^^ 


^52  NEGLECf    OF    THE    PECULIAR 

delivered  from  the  condition  of  a  child  of  wrath  and 
a  slave  or  Satan ;  to  be  adopted  into  the  family  of 
God ;  to  become  an  heir  of  God  and  a  joint  heir 
with  Christ,  entitled  to  all  the  privileges  which  be- 
long to  this  high  relation;  here,  to  the  Spirit  of 
grace,  and  a  partial  renewal  after  the  image  of  his 
Creator ;  hereafter,  to  the  more  perfect  possession  of 
the  Divine  likeness,  and  an  inheritance  of  eternal 
glory. 

And  as  it  is  in  this  way  that  in  obedience  to  the 
dictates  of  the  Gospel,  the  true  Christian  must  origi- 
nally become  possessed  of  the  vital  spirit  and  living 
principle  of  universal  holiness  ;  so,  in  order  to  grow 
in  grace,  he  must  also  study  in  the  sanle  school ; 
finding  in  the  consideration  of  the  peculiar  doctrines 
of  the  Gospel,  and  in  the  contemplation  of  the  life, 
and  character,  and  sufferings  of  our  blessed  Savior* 
the  elements  of  all  practical  wisdom,  and  an  inex- 
haustible storehouse  of  instructions  and  motives,  no 
otherwise  to  be  so  well  supplied.  From  the  neglect 
of  these  peculiar  doctrines  arise  the  main  practical 
errors  of  the  bulk  of  professed  Christians.  These 
gigantic  truths,  retained  in  view,  would  put  to  shame 
the  littlenes.s  of  iheir  dwarfish  morality.  It  would 
be  impossible  for  them  to  make  these  harmonize 
with  their  low  conceptions  of  the  wretchedness  and 
danger  of  their  natural  state,  which  is  represented 
in  Scripture  as  having  so  powerfully  called  forth  the 
ompassion  of  God,  that  he  sent  his  only-begotten 


^ 


DOCTRINES    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  253 

Son  to  rescue  us.  Where  now  are  their  low  con- 
ceptions of  the  worth  of  the  soul,  when  means  like 
these  were  taken  to  redeem  it  ?  Where  now  their 
inadequate  conceptions  of  the  guilt  of  sin,  for  which 
in  the  Divine  counsels  it  seemed  requisite  that  an 
atonement  no  less  costly  should  be  made  than  that 
of  the  blood  of  the  only-begotten  Son  of  God  ?  How 
can  they  reconcile  their  low  standard  of  christian 
practice  with  the  representation  of  our  being  "tem- 
ples of  the  Holy  Ghost  ?"  their  cold  sense  of  obli- 
gation, and  scanty  grudged  returns  of  service,  with 
the  glowing  gratitude  of  those  who,  having  been 
'*  delivered  from  the  power  of  darkness,  and  trans- 
lated into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son,"  may 
well  conceive  that  the  labors  of  a  whole  life  will  be 
but  an  imperfect  expression  of  their  thankfulness  ? 

The  peculiar  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  being  once 
admitted,  the  conclusions  which  have  been  now  sug- 
gested are  clear  and  obvious  deductions  of  reason. 
But  our  neglect  of  these  important  truths  is  still  less 
pardonable,  because  they  are  distinctly  and  repeat- 
edly applied  in  Scripture  to  the  very  purposes  in 
question,  and  the  whole  superstructure  of  christian 
morals  is  grounded  on  their  deep  and  ample  basis. 
Sometimes  these  truths  are  represented  in  Scrip- 
ture, generally,  as  furnishing  Christians  Avith  a  vigo- 
rous and  ever-present  principle  of  universal  obedi- 
ence. And  our  learning  the  lessons  of  heavenly 
wisdom  is  still  further  stimulated,  by  almost  every 
22 


254       NEGLECT  OF  THE  PECULIAR 

particular  christian  duty  being  occasionally  traced 
to  them  as  to  its  proper  source.  They  are  every 
where  represented  as  warming  the  hearts  of  the 
people  of  God  on  earth  with  continual  admiration, 
and  thankfulness,  and  love,  and  joy;  as  triumphing 
over  the  attack  of  the  last  great  enemy,  and  as  call- 
ing forth  afresh  in  heaven  the  ardent  effusions  of 
their  unexhausted  gratitude. 

If  then  we  would  indeed  be  •'  filled  with  wisdom 
and  spiritual  understanding ;"  if  we  would  "  walk 
worthy  of  the  Lord  unto  all  well  pleasing,  being 
fruitful  in  every  good  work,  and  increasing  in  the 
knowledge  of  God ;"  here  let  us  fix  our  eyes  !  "  Let 
us  lay  aside  every  weight,  and  the  sin  which  doth 
so  easily  beset  us,  and  let  us  run  with  patience  the 
race  that  is  set  before  us,  looking  unto  Jesus,  the 
Author  and  Finisher  of  our  faith;  who,  for  the  joy 
that  was  set  before  him,  endured  the  cross,  des- 
pising the  shame,  and  is  set  down  at  the  right  hand 
of  the  throne  of  God."    Heb.  12  :  1,  2. 

Here  best  we  may  learn  the  infinite  importance 
of  Christianity.  How  little  it  can  deserve  to  be  treat- 
ed in  that  slight  and  superficial  way  in  which  it  is 
in  these  days  regarded  by  the  bulk  of  nominal  Chris- 
tians, who  are  apt  to  think  it  may  be  enough,  and 
almost  pleasing  to  God,  to  be  religious  in  any  way, 
and  upon  any  system.  What  exquishe  folly  it  must 
be  to  risk  the  soul  on  such  a  venture,  in  direct  con- 
tradiction to  the  dictates  of  reason  and  the  express 


DOCTRINES    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  255 

declaration  of  the  word  of  God !    "  How  shall  wf» 
escape,  if  we  neglect  so  great  salvation  ?" 

LOOKING  UNTO  JESUS  1 

Here  we  shall  best  karn  the  duty  and  reasonable- 
ness of  an  absolute  and  unconditional  surrender  of 
soul  and  body  to  the  will  and  service  of  God.  "  We 
are  not  our  own,  for  we  are  bought  with  a  price," 
and  must  "therefore"  make  it  our  grand  concern  to 
"  glorify  God  with  our  bodies  and  our  spirits,  which 
are  God's."  Should  we  be  base  enough,  even  if  we 
could  do  it  with  safety,  to  make  any  reserves  in  our 
returns  of  service  to  that  gracious  Savior  who  "  gave 
up  himself  for  us  ?"  If  we  have  formerly  talked  of 
compounding,  by  the  performance  of  some  commands 
for  the  breach  of  others,  can  we  now  bear  the  mention 
of  a  composition  of  duties,  or  of  retaining  to  ourselves 
the  right  of  practicing  little  sins  ?  The  very  sugges- 
tion of  such  an  idea  fills  us  with  indignation  and 
shame,  if  our  hearts  be  not  dead  to  every  sense  of 
gratitude. 

LOOKING  UNTO  JESUS ! 

Here  we  find  displayed,  in  the  most  lively  colors, 
the  guilt  of  sin,  and  how  hateful  it  must  be  to  the  per- 
fect holiness  of  that  Being  who  is  of  "  purer  eyes 
than  to  behold  iniquity."    When  we  see  that,  rather 


256       NEGLECT  OF  THE  PECULIAR 

than  sin  should  go  unpunished,  "  God  spared  not  his 
own  Son,"  but  "  was  pleased*  to  bruise  and  put  him 
to  grief"  for  our  sakes ;  how  vainly  must  impeni- 
tent sinners  flatter  themselves  with  the  hope  of  escap- 
ing the  vengeance  of  heaven,  and  buoy  themselves 
up  with  the  desperate  dreams  of  the  Divine  benigityl 
Here  too  we  may  anticipate  the  dreadful  suffer- 
ings of  that  state  "  where  shall  be  weeping  and 
gnashing  of  teeth  ;"  when,  rather  than  that  we  should 
undergo  them,  "the  Son  of  God  himself,  who 
"  thought  it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  Avith  God,"  con- 
sented to  take  upon  him  our  degraded  nature,  with 
all  its  weaknesses  and  infirmities  ;  to  be  •'  a  man  of 
sorrows ;"  "  to  hide  not  his  face  from  shame  and  spit- 
ting ;"  "  to  be  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  and 
bruised  for  our  iniquities ;"  and  at  length  to  endure 
the  sharpness  of  death,  "  even  the  death  of  the  cross," 
that  he  might  ''  deliver  us  from  the  wrath  to  come," 
and  open  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all  believers. 

LOOKING  UNTO  JESUS. 

Here  best  we  may  learn  to  grow  in  the  love  ot 
God !    The  certainty  of  his  pity  and  love  towards 

*  It  has  been  well  remarked  ihat  the  word  used,  where  it  is 
said  that  God  "  was  pleased  to  bruise,"  and  put  to  grief  his 
only  Son  for  us,  is  the  same  word  as  that  wherein  it  was  de- 
clared by  a  voice  from  heaven,  "  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in 
whom  I  am  well  pleased." 


DOCTRINES    OF    CHRISTIANITY,  257 

repentinof  sinners,  thus  irrefragably  demonstrated, 
chases  away  the  sense  of  tormenting  fear,  and  best 
lays  the  ground  in  us  of  a  reciprocal  affection.  And 
while  we  steadily  contemplate  this  wonderful  trans- 
action, and  consider  in  its  several  relations  the  amaz- 
ing truth,  that  "  God  spared  not  his  own,  but  deliv- 
ered him  up  for  us  all ;"  if  our  minds  be  not  utterly 
dead  to  every  impulse  of  sensibility,  the  emotions  of 
admiration,  of  preference,  of  hope,  and  trust,  and  joy 
cannot  but  spring  up  within  us,  chastened  with  rev- 
erential fear,  and  softened  and  quickened  by  overflow 
ing  gratitude.*  Here  we  shall  become  animated  by 
an  abiding  disposition  to  endeavor  to  please  our  great 
Benefactor ;  and  by  a  humble  persuasion,  that  the 
weakest  endeavors  of  this  nature  will  not  be  despised 
by  a  Being  who  has  already  proved  himself  so 
kindly  affected  towards  us.  Rom.  5  :  9,  10.  Here  we 
cannot  fail  to  imbibe  an  earnest  desire  of  possessing 
his  favor,  and  a  conviction,  founded  on  his  own  de- 
clarations thus  unquestionably  confirmed,  that  the 
desire  shall  not  be  disappointed.  Whenever  we  are 
conscious  that  we  have  offended  this  gracious  Be- 
ing, a  single  thought  of  the  great  work  of  redemp- 
tion will  be  enough  to  fill  us  with  compunction. 
We  shall  feel  a  deep  concern,  grief  mingled  with  in- 
dignant shame,  for  having  conducted  ourselves  so 
unworthily  towards  one  who  to  us  has  been  infinite 

♦  Vide  Chap.  3:  where  these  -were  shown  to  be  the  ele- 
mentarv  principles  of  the  passion  of  love. 
22* 


258       NEGLECT  OF  THE  PECULIAR 

in  kindness ;  we  shall  not  rest  till  we  have  reason 
to  hope  that  he  is  reconciled  to  us ;  and  we  shall 
watch  over  our  hearts  and  conduct  in  future  with  a 
renewed  jealousy,  lest  we  should  again  offend  him. 
To  those  who  are  ever  &o  little  acquainted  with  the 
nature  of  the  human  mind,  it  were  superfluous  to  re- 
mark that  the  affections  and  tempers  which  have 
been  enumerated,  are  the  infallible  marks  and  the 
constituent  properties  of  love.  Let  him  then,  who 
Avould  abound  and  grow  in  this  Christian  principle, 
be  much  conversant  with  the  great  doctrines  of  the 
Gospel. 

It  is  obvious  that  the  attentive  and  frequent  con- 
sideration of  these  great  doctrines  must  have  a  still 
more  direct  tendency  to  produce  and  cherish  in  our 
minds  the  principle  of  the  love  of  Christ.  But  on 
this  head  so  much  was  said  in  a  former  chapter,  as 
to  render  any  further  observations  unnecessary. 

Much  also  has  been  already  observed  concerning- 
the  love  of  our  fellow-creatures,  and  it  has  been  dis- 
tinctly stated  to  be  the  indispensable,  and  indeed  the 
characteristic  duty  of  Christians.  It  remains,  how- 
ever, to  be  here  further  remarked,  that  this  grace 
can  no  where  be  cultivated  with  more  advantage 
than  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  No  where  can  our  Sa- 
vior's dying  injunction  to  the  exercise  of  this  virtue 
be  recollected  with  more  effect ;  "  This  is  my  com- 
mandment, that  ye  love  one  another  as  I  have  loved 
you."    No  where  can  the  admonition  of  the  apostle 


DOCTRINES    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  259 

more  powerfully  affect  us  ;  "  Be  ye  kind  one  to 
another,  tender-hearted,  forgiving  one  another,  even 
as  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  hath  forgiven  you."  The 
view  of  mankind  which  is  here  presented  to  us,  as 
having  been  all  involved  in  one  common  ruin;  and 
the  offer  of  deliverance  held  out  to  all,  by  the  Son  oi 
God  giving  himself  up  to  pay  the  price  of  our 
reconciliation,  produce  that  sympathy  towards  our  fel- 
low creatures  which,  by  the  constitution  of  our  nature, 
seldom  fails  to  result  from  the  consciousness  of  an 
identity  of  interests  and  a  similarity  of  fortunes.  Pity 
for  an  unthinking  world  assists  this  impression.  Our 
enmities  soften  and  melt  away:  we  are  ashamed  of 
thinking  much  of  the  petty  injuries  which  we  may 
have  suffered,  when  we  consider  what  the  Son  of 
God,  "who  did  no  wrong,  neither  was  guile  found 
in  his  mouth,"  patiently  underwent.  Our  hearts  be- 
come tender  while  we  contemplate  this  signal  act  ol 
loving-kindness.  We  grow  desirous  of  imitating 
what  we  cannot  but  admire.  A  vigorous  principle 
of  enlarged  and  active  charity  springs  up  within  us  ; 
and  we  go  forth  with  alacrity,  desirous  of  treading  in 
the  steps  of  our  blessed  Master,  and  of  manifesting 
our  gratitude  for  his  unmerited  goodness,  by  bearing 
each  other's  burdens,  and  abounding  in  the  disinte 
rested  labors  of  benevolence. 

LOOKING  UNTO  JESUS! 

He  was  meek  and  lowly  of  heart,  and  from  the 


260       NEGLECT  OF  THE  PECULIAR 

Study  of  his  character  we  shall  best  learn  the  lessons 
of  humility.  Contemplating  the  Avork  of  redemption, 
we  become  more  and  more  impressed  with  the  sense 
of  our  natural  darkness,  and  helplessness,  and  mi- 
sery, from  which  it  was  requisite  to  ransom  us  at 
such  a  price ;  more  and  more  conscious  that  we  arp 
"Utterly  unworthy  of  all  the  amazing  condescension 
and  love  which  have  been  manifested  towards  us ; 
ashamed  of  the  callousness  of  our  tenderest  sensi- 
bility, and  of  the  poor  returns  of  our  most  active  ser- 
vices. Considerations  like  these,  abating  our  pride 
and  reducing  our  opinion  of  ourselves,  naturally  mo- 
derate our  pretensions  towards  others.  We  become 
less  disposed  to  exact  that  respect  for  our  persons, 
and  that  deference  for  our  authority,  which  we  na- 
turally covet ;  we  less  sensibly  feel  a  slight,  and  less 
hotly  resent  it ;  we  grow  less  irritable,  less  prone  to 
be  dissatisfied;  more  soft,  and  meek,  and  courteous, 
and  placable,  and  condescending.  We  are  not  lite- 
rally required  to  practice  the  same  humiliating  sub- 
missions to  which  our  blessed  Savior  himself  was 
not  ashamed  to  stoop;*  but  the  spirit  of  the  remark 
applies  to  us,  "  the  servant  is  not  greater  than  his 
Lord:"  and  we  should  especially  bear  this  truth  in 
mind,  when  the  occasion  calls  upon  us  to  discharge 
some  duty,  or  patiently  to  suffer  some  ill  treatment, 

*  John,  13 :  13-17.  *'  If  I  'chen,  your  Lord  and  Master,  have 
washed  vour  feet,  ye  also  ought  to  wash  one  another's  feet," 
&c. 


DOCTRINES    OF     CHRISTIANITY.  261 

whereby  our  pride  will  be  wounded,  and  we  are 
likely  lo  be  in  some  degree  degraded  from  the  rank 
we  had  possessed  in  the  world's  estimation.  At  the 
same  time  the  sacred  Scriptures  assuring  us,  that  to 
the  powerful  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  purchased 
for  us  by  the  death  of  Christ,  we  must  be  indebted 
for  the  success  of  all  our  endeavors  after  improve- 
ment in  virtue ;  the  conviction  of  this  truth  tends  to 
render  us  diffident  of  our  own  powers,  and  to  sup- 
press the  first  risings  of  vanity.  Thus,  while  we  are 
conducted  to  heights  of  virtue  no  otherwise  attaina- 
ble, due  care  is  taken  to  prevent  our  becoming  giddy 
from  our  elevation.*  It  is  the  Scripture  characteris- 
tic of  the  Gospel  system,  that  by  it  all  disposition  to 
exalt  ourselves  is  excluded ;  and  if  we  really  grow 
in  grace,  we  shall  grow  also  in  humility. 

LOOKING  UNTO  JESUS ! 

•'  He  endured  the  cross,  despising  the  shame." 
While  we  steadily  contemplate  this  solemn  scene, 
that  sober  frame  of  spirit  is  produced  within  us 
which  best  befits  the  Christian  militant  here  on  earth. 
We  become  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  shortness 
and  uncertainty  of  time,  and  that  it  behoves  us  to  be  di- 
ligent in  making  provision  for  eternity.  In  such  a 
temper  of  mind,  the  pomps  and  vanities  of  life  are  cast 
behind  us  as  the  baubles  of  children.  We  lose  our  re- 

*  See  Pascal's  Thoughts  on  Religion:  a  book  abounding 
in  the  deepest  views  of  practical  Christianity. 


262       NEGLECT  OF  THE  PECULIAR 

lish  for  the  frolics  of  gayety,  the  race  of  ambition,  or 
the  grosser  gratifications,  of  voluptuousness.  In  the 
case  even  of  those  objects  which  may  more  justly 
claim  the  attention  of  reasonable  and  immortal  be- 
ings ;  in  our  family  arrangements,  in  our  plans  of  life, 
in  our  schemes  of  business,  we  become,  without  re- 
linquishing the  path  of  duty,  more  moderate  in  pur- 
suit, and  more  indifferent  about  the  issue.  Here  also 
we  learn  to  correct  the  world's  false  estimate  of 
things,  and  to  "  look  through  the  shallowness  of 
earthly  grandeur;"*  to  venerate  what  is  truly  ex- 
cellent and  noble,  though  under  a  despised  and  de- 
graded form ;  and  to  cultivate  within  ourselves  that 
true  magnanimity  which  can  make  us  rise  superior 
to  the  smiles  or  frowns  of  this  world  ;  that  dignified 
composure  of  soul  which  no  earthly  incidents  can 
destroy  or  ruffle.  Instead  of  repining  at  any  of  the 
little  occasional  inconveniences  we  may  meet  with 
in  our  passage  through  life,  we  are  almost  ashamed 
of  the  multiplied  comforts  and  enjoyments  of  our 
condition,  when  we  think  of  him,  who,  though  "the 
Lord  of  glory,"  "  had  not  where  to  lay  his  head." 
And  if  it  be  our  lot  to  undergo  evils  of  more  than  or- 
dinary magnitude,  we  are  animated  under  them  by 
reflecting  that  we  are  hereby  more  conformed  to 
the  example  of  our  blessed  Master  :  though  we  must 
ever  recollect  one  important  difference,  that  the  suf- 
fermgs  of  Christ  w^ere  voluntarily  borne  for  our  be- 

♦  Pope. 


DOCTRINES    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  263 

nefit,  and  were  probably  far  more  exquisitely  agoniz- 
ing than  any  which  we  are  called  upon  to  undergo. 
Besides,  it  must  be  a  solid  support  to  us  amidst  all 
our  troubles  to  know  that  they  do  not  happen  to 
us  by  chance  ;  that  they  are  not  even  merely  the 
punishment  of  sin  ;  but  that  they  are  the  dispensa- 
tions of  a  kind  Providence,  and  sent  on  messages  of 
meicy.  "The  cup  that  our  Father  hath  given  us, 
shall  we  not  drink  it  ?"  "  Blessed  Savior !  by  the 
bitterness  of  thy  pains  we  may  estimate  the  force  of 
hy  love  ;  we  are  sure  of  thy  kmdness  and  compas- 
sion ;  thou  wouldst  not  willingly  call  on  us  to  suffer  ; 
thou  hast  declared  unto  us,  that  all  things  shall  final- 
ly work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  thee ; 
and  therefore,  if  thou  so  ordainest  it,  welcome  disap- 
pointment and  poverty,  welcome  sickness  and  pain, 
welcome  even  shame,  and  contempt,  and  calumny. 
If  this  be  a  rough  and  thorny  path,  it  is  one  in  which 
thou  hast  gone  before  us.  Where  we  see  thy  foot- 
steps we  cannot  repine.  Meanwhile  thou  wilt  sup- 
port us  with  the  consolations  of  thy  grace ;  and  even 
here  thou  canst  more  than  compensate  to  us  for  any 
temporal  sufferings,  by  the  possession  of  that  peac© 
which  the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take  away." 

LOOKING  UNTO  JESUS ! 

"The  Author  and  Finisher  of  our  faith,  who  for 
the  joy  that  was  set  before  him,  endured  the  cros8» 


'254  NEGLECT    OF    THE    PECULIAR 

despising  the  shame,  and  is  set  down  at  the  right 
hand  of  God."  From  the  scene  of  our  Savior's  weak- 
ness and  degradation  we  follow  him,  in  idea,  into  the 
realms  of  glory,  where  "he  is  on  the  right  hand  of 
God;  angels,  and  principalities,  and  powers  being 
made  subject  unto  him."  But  though  changed  in 
place,  j'-et  not  in  nature,  he  is  still  full  of  sympathy 
and  love;  and  having  died  "  to  save  his  people  from 
their  sins,"  "he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for 
them."  Cheered  by  this  animating  view,  the  Chris- 
tian's fainting  spirits  revive.  Under  the  heaviest  bur- 
dens he  feels  his  strength  recruited :  and  when  all 
around  him  is  dark  and  stormy,  he  can  lift  up  an 
eye  to  heaven,  radiant  with  hope,  and  glistening  with 
gratitude.  At  such  a  season  no  dangers  can  alarm, 
no  opposition  can  move,  no  provocations  can  irritate. 
He  may  almost  adopt,  as  the  language  of  his  sober 
exultation,  what  in  the  philosopher  was  but  idle  rant : 
and,  considering  that  it  is  only  the  garment  of  mor- 
tality which  is  subject  to  the  rents  of  fortune,  while 
his  spirit,  cheered  with  the  Divine  support,  keeps 
its  place  within,  secure  and  unassailable,  he  can 
sometimes  almost  triumph  at  the  stake.  But  it  is 
rarely  that  the  Christian  is  elevated  with  this  "joy 
unspeakable  and  full  of  glory :"  he  even  lends  him- 
self to  these  views  with  moderation  and  reserve.  Of- 
ten, alas  !  emotions  of  another  kind  fill  him  with  grief 
and  confusion  ;  and  conscious  of  having  acted  unwor- 
thy of  his  high  calling,  perhaps  of  having  exposed 


DOCTKINES    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  265 

himself  to  the  just  censure  of  a  world  ready  enough  to 
spy  out  his  infirmities,  he  seems  to  himself  almost  "to 
have  crucified  the  Son  of  God  afresh,  and  pat  him  tG 
an  open  shame."  But  neither  his  joys  intoxicate,  nor 
his  sorrows  too  much  depress  him.  Let  him  still  re- 
member that  his  c/u'e/ business  while  on  earth  is  not 
to  meditate,  but  to  act :  that  the  seeds  of  moral  cor- 
ruption are  apt  to  spring  up  within  him,  and  that  it 
is  requisite  for  him  to  watch  over  his  own  heart  with 
incessant  care:  that  he  is  to  discharge  with  fidelity 
the  duties  of  his  particular  station,  and  to  conduct 
himself,  according  to  his  measure,  after  the  example 
of  his  blessed  Master,  whose  meat  and  drink  it  was 
to  do  the  work  of  his  heavenly  Father  ;  that  he  is  di- 
ligently to  cultivate  the  talents  with  which  God  has 
intrusted  him,  and  assiduously  to  employ  them  in 
doing  justice  and  showing  mercy,  while  he  guards 
against  the  assaults  of  an  internal  enemy.  In  short, 
he  is  to  demean  himself,  in  all  the  common  affairs 
of  life,  like  an  accountable  creature,  who,  in  corres- 
pondence with  the  Scripture  character  of  Christians, 
is  "  waiting  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.^' 
Often  therefore  he  questions  him.self,  "  Am  I  employ- 
ing my  time,  my  fortune,  my  bodily  and  mental  pow- 
ers, so  as  to  be  able  to  '  render  up  my  account  with 
joy,  and  not  with  grief?'  Am  I '  adorning  the  doctrine 
of  God  my  Savior  in  all  things ;'  and  proving  that 
the  servants  of  Christ,  animated  by  a  principle  of 
filial  affection,  which  renders  their  work  a  service 
23 


266      NEGLECT  OF  THE  PECULIAR 

of  perfect  freedom,  are' capable  of  as  active  and  as 
persevering  exertions  as  the  votaries  of  fame,  or  the 
slaves  of  ambition,  or  the  drudges  of  avarice?" 

Thus,  without  interruption  to  his  labors,  he  may 
interpose  occasional  thoughts  of  things  unseen:  and 
amidst  the  many  little  intervals  of  business,  may 
calmly  look  upwards  to  the  heavenly  Advocate,  who 
is  ever  pleading  the  cause  of  his  people,  and  obtain- 
ing for  them  needful  supplies  of  grace  and  consola- 
tion. It  is  these  realizing  views  which  give  the 
Christian  a  relish  for  the  worship  and  service  of  the 
heavenly  world.  And  if  these  blessed  images,  "seen 
but  through  a  glass  darkly,"  can  thus  refresh  the 
soul ;  what  must  be  its  state,  when  on  the  morning 
of  the  resurrection  it  shall  awake  to  the  unclouded 
vision  of  celestial  glory  ?  when  "  to  them  that  look 
for  him,  the  Son  of  God  shall  appear  a  second  time 
without  sin  unto  salvation  ?"  when  "  sighing  and  sor- 
row being  fled  avv'ay,"  when  doubts  and  fears  no 
more  disquieting,  and  the  painful  consciousness  of 
remaining  imperfections  no  longer  weighing  down 
the  spirit,  they  shall  enter  upon  the  fruition  of  "  those 
joys  which  eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither 
hath  it  entered  into  the  heart  of  man  to  conceive  ;" 
and  shall  bear  their  part  in  that  blessed  anihem — 
•'  Salvation  to  our  God  which  sitteth  upon  the  throne, 
and  unto  the  Lamb,  for  ever  and  ever  ?" 

Thus,  never  let  it  be  forgotten,  the  main  distinc- 
ion  betu-een  real  Christianity  and  the  system  of  the 


POCTRINES    OF    CHRISTIANITY.  267 

bulk  of  nominal  Christians,  chiefly  consists  in  the 
different  place  which  is  assigned  in  the  two  schemes 
to  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  the  Gospel.  These,  in 
the  scheme  of  nominal  Christians,  if  admitted  at  all, 
appear  but  like  the  stars  of  the  firmament  to  the  or- 
dinary eye.  Those  splendid  luminaries  draw  forth 
perhaps  occasionally  a  transient  expression  of  admi- 
ration, when  we  behold  their  beauty,  or  hear  their 
distances,  magnitudes,  or  properties:  now  and  then 
too  we  are  led,  perhaps,  to  muse  upon  their  possible 
uses  :  but  however  curious  as  subjects  of  speculation, 
after  all,  it  must  be  confessed  they  twinkle  to  the 
common  observer  with  a  vain  and  "idle"  luster  ;  and 
except  in  the  dreams  of  the  astrologer,  have  no  in- 
fluence on  human  happiness,  or  any  concern  with 
the  course  and  order  of  the  world.  But  to  the  real 
Christian,  on  the  contrary,  these  peculiar  doctrines 
constitute  the  center  to  which  he  gravitates  !  the  very 
sun  of  his  system !  the  soul  of  the  world !  the  ori- 
gin of  all  that  is  excellent  and  lovely  !  the  source  of 
light,  and  life,  and  motion,  and  genial  warmth,  and 
plastic  energy  !  Dim  is  the  light  of  reason,  and  cold 
and  comfortless  our  state,  while  left  to  her  unassisted 
guidance.  Even  the  Old  Testament  itself,  though  a 
revelation  from  heaven,  shines  but  with  feeble  and 
scanty  rays.  But  the  blessed  truths  of  the  Gospel 
are  now  unveiled  to  our  eyes,  and  we  are  called  upon 
to  behold,  and  to  enjoy  "the  light  of  the  knowledge 
of  the  glory  of  God,  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ,"  in 


2G8  EXCELLENCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY. 

the  full  radiance  of  its  meridian  splendor.  The  words 
of  inspiration  best  express  our  highly  favored  state: 
"  We  all,  with  open  face  beholding  as  in  a  glass  the 
glory  of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into  the  same  image, 
from  glory  to  glory,  even  as  by  the  Sph'it  of  the 
Lord." 

Thou  art  the  source  and  centre  of  all  minds, 
Their  only  point  of  rest,  Eternal  Word ; 
From  thee  departing,  they  are  lost,  and  rove 
At  random,  without  honor,  hope,  or  peace: 
From  thee  is  all  that  soothes  the  life  of  man ; 
His  high  endeavor,  and  his  glad  success; 
His  strength  to  suffer,  and  his  will  to  serve. 
But  O  !  thou  bounteous  giver  of  all  good  ! 
Thou  art  of  all  thy  gifts  thyself  the  crown  • 
Give  what  thou  canst,  without  thee  we  are  poor, 
And  with  thee  rich,  take  what  thou  wilt  away. 


CHAPTER    V. 

ON    THE    EXCELLENCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY   IN   CER- 
TAIN    IMPORTANT     PARTICULARS. ARGUMENT 

WHICH    RESULTS    THENCE    IN    PROOF    OF   ITS   VI 
VINE    ORIGIN. 

Having  now  completed  a  faint  delineation  of  the 
leading  features  of  real  Christianity,  we  may  point 


IN    IMPORTANT    PARTICULARS.  269 

out  some  excellences  which  she  really  possesses; 
but  which,  as  they  are  not  to  be  found  in  that  super- 
ficial system  which  so  unworthily  usurps  her  name, 
appear  scarcely  to  have  attracted  sufficient  notice; 
but  by  which  she  will  appear  to  exhibit  more  clearly, 
than  as  she  is  usually  drawn,  the  characters  of  her 
divine  original. 

It  holds  true,  indeed,  in  the  case  of  Christianity, 
as  in  that  of  all  the  works  of  God,  that  though  a  su- 
perficial and  cursory  view  cannot  fail  to  discover  to 
us  somewhat  of  their  beauty;  yet  when,  on  a  more 
careful  and  accurate  scrutiny,  we  become  better  ac- 
quainted with  their  properties,  we  become  also  more 
deeply  impressed  by  a  conviction  of  their  excellence. 
We  may  begin  by  referring  to  the  last  chapter  for 
an  instance  of  the  truth  of  this  assertion.  Therein 
was  pointed  out  that  intimate  connection,  that  perfect 
harmony,  between  the  leading  doctrines  and  the 
practical  precepts  of  Christianity,  which  is  apt  to 
escape  the  attention  of  the  ordinary  eye. 

It  may  not  be  improper  also  to  remark,  though 
the  position  be  so  obvious  as  almost  to  render  the 
statement  of  it  needless,  that  there  is  the  same  close 
connection  and  perfect  harmony  in  the  leading  doc- 
trines of  Christianity  among  each  other.  It  is  self- 
evident  that  the  corruption  of  human  nature,  that 
our  reconciliation  to  God  by  the  atonement  of  Christ, 
and  thai  the  restoration  of  our  primitive  dignity  by 
the  sanctifying  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  are  al 
23* 


270  EXCELLENCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY 

parts  of  one  whole,  united  in  close  dependence  and 
mutual  congruity. 

Perhaps,  however,  it  has  not  been  sufficiently  no- 
ticed, that  in  the  chief  practical  precepts  of  Christiani- 
ty, there  is  the  same  essential  agreement,  the  same 
mutual  dependency  of  one  upon  another.  Let  us 
survey  this  fresh  instance  of  the  wisdom  of  that  sys- 
tem which  IS  the  only  solid  foundation  of  our  pre- 
sent or  future  happiness. 

The  virtues  most  strongly  and  repeatedly  enjoin- 
ed in  Scripture,  and  by  our  progress  in  which  we 
may  best  measure  our  advancement  in  holiness,  are 
the  fear  and  love  of  God  and  of  Christ :  love,  kind- 
ness, and  meekness  towards  our  fellow-creatures  , 
indifference  to  the  possessions  and  events  of  this  life, 
in  comparison  with  our  concern  about  eternal  things; 
self-denial,  and  humility. 

It  has  been  already  pointed  out  in  many  particu- 
lars, how  essentially  such  of  these  Christian  graces 
as  respect  the  Divine  Being  are  connected  with  those 
which  have  more  directly  for  their  objects  our  fel- 
low-creatures and  ourselves.  But  in  the  case  of  these 
two  last  descriptions  of  Christian  graces,  the  mors 
attentively  we  consider  them  with  reference  to  the 
acknowledged  principles  of  human  nature  and  to 
indisputable  facts,  the  more  we  shall  be  convinced 
that  they  afford  mutual  aid  towards  the  acquisition 
of  each  other  ;  and  that,  when  acquired,  they  all 
harmonize  with  each  other  in  perfect  and  essential 


IN    IMPORTANT    PARTICULARS.  271 

union.  This  truth  may  perhaps  be  sufficiently  ap- 
parent from  what  has  been  already  remarked ;  but 
it  may  not  be  useless  to  dwell  on  it  a  little  more  in 
detail.  Take  then  the  instances  of  loving-kindness 
and  meekness  towards  others,  and  observe  the  solid 
foundation  which  is  laid  for  them  in  self-denial,  in 
moderation  as  to  the  good  things  of  this  life,  and  in 
humility.  The  chief  causes  of  enmity  among  men, 
are  pride  and  self-importance,  the  high  opinion  Avhich 
men  entertain  of  themselves,  and  the  consequent  de- 
ference which  they  exact  from  other.s  ;  the  over-va- 
luation of  worldly  possessions  and  of  worldly  honors, 
and  in  consequence,  a  too  eager  competition  for 
them.  The  rough  edges  of  one  man  rub  against 
those  of  another,  if  the  expression  may  be  allowed; 
and  the  friction  is  often  such  as  to  injure  the  works, 
and  disturb  the  just  arrangements  and  regular  mo- 
tions of  the  social  machine.  But  by  Christianity  all 
these  roughnesses  are  filed  down ;  every  wheel  rolls 
round  smoothly  in  the  performance  of  its  appointed 
function,  and  there  is  nothing  to  retard  the  several 
movements,  or  break  in  upon  the  general  order. 
The  religious  sj^stem  indeed  of  the  bulk  of  nominal 
Christians  is  satisfied  with  some  appearances  of  vir- 
tue ;  and  accordingly,  while  it  recommends  love  and 
beneficence,  it  tolerates,  as  has  been  shown,  pride 
and  vanity  in  many  cases ;  it  even  countenances  and 
commends  the  excessive  valuation  of  character,  and 
at  least  allows  a  man's  whole  soul  to  be  absorbed  in 


272  EXCELLENCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY 

the  pursuit  of  the  object  he  is  following,  be  it  what 
it  may,  of  personal  or  professional  success.  But 
though  these  latter  qualities  may,  for  the  most  part, 
consist  with  a  soft  exterior  and  courtly  demeanor, 
they  cannot  accord  with  the  genuine  internal  prin- 
ciple of  love.  Some  cause  of  discontent,  some  ground 
of  jealousy  or  of  envy  will  arise,  some  suspicion  will 
corrode,  some  disappointment  will  sour,  some  slight 
or  calumny  will  irritate,  and  provoke  reprisals.  In  the 
higher  walks  of  life,  indeed,  we  learn  to  disguise  our 
emotions;  but  such  will  be  the  real  inward  feelings 
of  the  soul,  and  they  will  frequently  betray  them- 
selves when  we  are  off  our  guard,  or  when  we  are 
not  likely  to  be  disparaged  by  the  discovery.  This 
state  of  the  higher  orders,  in  which  men  are  scuf- 
fling eagerly  for  the  same  objects,  and  wearing  all 
the  while  such  an  appearance  of  sweetness  and  com- 
placency, has  often  appeared  to  me  to  be  not  ill  il- 
lustrated by  a  gaming-table.  There,  every  man  is 
intent  only  on  his  own  profit ;  the  good  success  of 
one  is  the  ill  success  of  another,  and  therefore  the 
general  state  of  mind  of  the  parties  engaged  may  be 
pretty  well  conjectured.  All  this,  however,  does  not 
prevent,  in  well-bred  societies,  an  exterior  of  perfect 
gentleness  and  good  humor.  But  let  the  same  em- 
ployment be  carried  on  among  those  who  are  not  so 
well  schooled  in  the  art  of  disguising  their  feelings; 
or  in  places  where,  by  general  connivance,  people 
are  allowed  to  give  vent  to  their  real  emotions  j  and 


IN    I3IP0RTANT    PARTICULARS.  273 

every  passion  will  display  itself,  by  which  the  "  hu- 
man face  divine"  can  be  distorted  and  deformed 
The  horrid  name,*  by  which  it  is  familiarly  known 
among  its  frequenters,  sufficiently  attests  the  fidelity 
of  its  resemblance. 

But  Christianity  requires  the  substantial  reality, 
which  may  stand  the  scrutinizing  eye  of  that  Being 
"  who  searches  the  heart."  Meaning  therefore  that 
the  Christian  should  live  and  breathe  in  an  atmos- 
phere of  benevolence,  she  forbids  whatever  can  tend 
to  obstruct  its  diffusion  or  vitiate  its  purity.  It  is  on 
this  principle  that  emulation  is  forbidden :  for,  be- 
sid(;3  that  this  passion  almost  insensibly  degenerates 
into  envy,  and  that  it  derives  its  origin  chiefly  from 
pride  and  a  desire  of  self-exaltation;  how  can  we 
easily  love  our  neighbor  as  ourselves  if  we  consider 
him  at  the  same  time  as  our  rival,  and  are  intent  upon 
surpassing  him  in  the  pursuit  of  whatever  is  the  sub- 
ject of  our  competition  1 

Christianity,  again,  teacher  us  not  to  set  our 
hearts  on  earthl)'-  possessions  and  earthly  honors , 
and  thereby  provides  for  our  really  loving,  or  even 
cordially  forgiving  those  who  have  been  more  suc- 
cessful than  our3elves  in  the  attainment  of  them,  or 
who  have  even  designedly  thwarted  us  in  the  pur- 
suit. "Let  the  rich,"  says  the  apostle,  "rejoice  in 
that  he  is  brought  low."    How  can  he  who  means 

*  The  Hell,  so  called,  be  it  observed,  not  by  way  of  re- 
proach, but  familiarity,  by  those  who  frequent  it. 


274  EXCELLENCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY 

to  attempt,  in  any  degree,  to  obey  this  prerept,  be  ir- 
reconcilably hostile  towards  any  one  who  may  have 
been  instrumental  in  his  depression? 

Christianity  also  teaches  us  not  to  prize  human 
estimation  at  a  very  high  rate;  and  thereby  provides 
for  the  practice  of  her  injunction,  to  love  from  the 
heart  those  who,  justly  or  unjustly,  may  have  at- 
tacked our  reputation  and  wounded  our  character. 
She  commands  not  the  show,  but  the  reality  of  meek- 
ness and  gentleness  ;  and  by  thus  taking  away  the 
aliment  of  anger  and  the  fomenters  of  discord,  she 
provides  for  the  maintenance  of  peace,  and  the  resto- 
ration of  good  temper  among  men,  when  it  may 
have  sustained  a  temporary  interruption. 

It  is  another  capital  excellence  of  Christianity, 
that  she  values  moral  attainments  at  a  far  higher 
rate  than  intellectual  acquisitions,  and  proposes  to 
conduct  her  followers  to  the  height  of  virtue  rather 
than  of  knowledge.  On  the  contrar}'-,  most  of  the 
false  religious  systems  which  have  prevailed  in  the 
■world,  have  proposed  to  reward  the  labor  of  their 
votary  by  drawing  aside  the  veil  which  concealed 
from  the  vulgar  eye  their  hidden  mysteries,  and  by 
introducing  him  to  the  knowledge  of  their  deeper 
and  more  sacred  doctrines. 

This  is  eminently  the  case  in  the  Hindoo,  and  in 
the  Mohammedan  religion,  in  that  of  China,  and,  for 
the  most  part,  in  the  various  modifications  of  ancient 
paganism.    In  systems  which  proceed  on  this  prin- 


IN    IMPORTANT     PARTICULARS,  275 

ciple,  it  is  obvious  that  the  bulk  of  mankind  can 
never  make  any  great  proficiency.  There  was  ac 
cordingly,  among  the  nations  of  antiquity,  one  sys 
tern,  whatever  it  was,  for  the  learned,  and  another 
for  the  illiterate.  Many  of  the  philosophers  spoke 
out,  and  professed  to  keep  the  lower  orders  in  igno- 
rance for  the  general  good  ;  plainly  suggesting  that 
the  bulk  of  mankind  was  to  be  considered  as  almost 
of  an  inferior  species.  Aristotle  himself  counte- 
nanced this  opinion.  An  opposite  mode  of  proceed- 
ing naturally  belongs  to  Christianity,  which,  with- 
out distinction,  professes  an  equal  regard  for  all  hu- 
man beings,  and  which  was  characterized  by  her 
first  Promulgator  as  the  messenger  of  "glad  tidings 
to  the  poor." 

But  her  preference  of  moral  to  intellectual  excel- 
lence is  not  to  be  praised,  only  because  it  is  conge- 
nial with  her  general  character,  and  suitable  to  the 
ends  which  she  professes  to  have  in  view.  It  is  the 
part  of  true  wisdom  to  endeavor  to  excel,  where  we 
may  really  attain  to  excellence.  This  consideration 
might  be  alone  sufficient  to  direct  our  efl^orts  to  the 
acquisition  of  virtue  rather  than  of  knowledge.  How 
limited  is  the  range  of  the  greatest  human  abilities  I 
how  scanty  the  stores  of  the  richest  human  know- 
ledge !  Those  who  undeniably  have  held  the  first 
rank,  both  for  natural  and  acquired  endowments,  in- 
stead of  thinking  their  pre-eminence  a  just  ground 
of  self-exaltation,  have  commonly  been  the  most  for» 


276  EXCELLENCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY 

ward  to  confess  that  their  views  were  bounded  and 
their  attainments  moderate.  Had  they  indeed  been 
less  candid,  this  is  a  discovery  which  we  would  not 
have  failed  to  make  for  ourselves.  Experience  daily 
furnishes  us  with  examples  of  weakness  and  error, 
m  the  wisest  and  the  most  learned  of  men,  which 
might  serve  to  confound  the  pride  of  human  wisdom. 
Not  so  in  morals.  Made  at  first  in  the  likeness  of 
God,  and  still  bearing  about  us  some  faint  traces 
of  our  high  original,  we  are  offered  by  our  blessed 
Redeemer  the  means  of  purification  from  our  cor- 
ruptions, and  of  once  more  regaining  the  image  of 
our  heavenly  Father.  Eph.  2.  In  love,  the  com- 
pendious expression  for  almost  every  virtue ;  in  for- 
titude under  all  its  forms;  in  justice,  in  humility, 
and  in  all  the  other  graces  of  the  Christian  charac- 
ter, we  are  made  capable  of  attaining  to  heights  of 
real  elevation :  and  were  we  but  faithful  in  the  use 
of  the  means  of  grace  which  we  enjoy,  the  opera- 
tions of  the  Holy  Spirit,  prompting  and  aiding  our 
diligent  endeavors,  would  infallibly  crown  our  la- 
bors with  success,  and  make  us  partakers  of  a  Di- 
vine nature.  Let  me  not  be  thought  to  undervalue 
any  of  the  gifts  of  God,  or  of  the  fruits  of  human 
exertion  ;  but  let  not  these  be  prized  beyond  their 
proper  worth.  If  one  of  those  little  industrious  in- 
sects, to  which  we  have  been  well  sent  for  a  lesson 
of  diligence  and  foresight,  were  to  pride  itself  upon 
Us  strength,  because  it  could  carry  off  a  larger  grain 


IN    IMPORTANT    PARTICULARS.  277 

of  wheat  than  any  other  of  its  fellow-ants,  should 
we  not  laugh  at  the  vanity  which  could  be  highly 
gratified  with  such  a  contemptible  pre-eminence? 
And  is  it  far  different  to  the  eye  of  reason,  when 
man,  weak,  short-sighted  man,  is  vain  of  surpassing 
others  in  knowledge,  in  which,  at  best,  his  progress 
must  be  so  limited;  forgetting  the  true  dignity  of  his 
nature,  and  the  path  which  would  conduct  him  to 
real  excellence? 

The  unparalleled  value  of  the  precepts  of  Chris- 
tianity ought  not  to  be  passed  over  altogether  unno- 
ticed in  this  place.  It  is  by  no  means,  however,  the 
design  of  this  little  work  to  attempt  to  trace  the  va- 
rious excellences  of  Christianity;  but  it  may  not 
have  been  improper  to  point  out  a  few  particulars 
which  have  fallen  under  our  notice,  and  hitherto 
perhaps  may  scarcely  have  been  enough  regarded. 
Every  such  instance,  it  should  always  be  remem- 
bered, is  a  fresh  proof  of  Christianity  being  a  reve- 
lation from  God. 

It  is  still  less,  however,  the  intention  of  the  writer 
to  attempt  to  vindicate  the  Divine  origin  of  our  holy 
religion.  This  task  has  often  been  executed  by  far 
abler  advocates.  Anxious,  however,  in  my  little 
measure,  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  this  great 
cause,  may  it  be  permitted  me  to  istate  one  argument 
which  impresses  my  mind  with  particular  force. 
This  is,  the  great  variety  of  the  kinds  of  evidence 
Avhich  have  been  adduced  in  proof  of  Christianity, 
24 


278  EXCELLENCE    OF    CHRISTIANITY 

and  the  confirmation  thereby  afforded  of  its  truth: 
the  proof  from  prophecy — from  miracles — from  the 
character  of  Christ — from  that  of  his  apostles — from 
the  nature  of  the  doctrines  of  Christianity — from  the 
nature  and  excellence  of  her  practical  precepts — from 
the  accordance  we  have  lately  pointed  out  between 
the  doctrinal  and  practical  system  of  Christianity, 
whether  considered  each  in  itself  or  in  their  mutual 
relation  to  each  other — from  other  species  of  internal 
evidence,  afforded  in  the  more  abundance  in  propor- 
tion as  the  sacred  records  have  been  scrutinized  with 
greater  care — from  the  accounts  of  contemporary  or 
nearly  contemporary  writers — from  the  impossibility 
of  accounting,  on  any  other  supposition  than  that  of 
the  truth  of  Christianit)'-,  for  its  promulgation  and 
early  prevalence :  these  and  other  lines  of  argument 
have  all  been  brought  forward,  and  ably  urged  by 
different  writers,  in  proportion  as  they  have  struck 
the  minds  of  different  observers  more  or  less  forcibly  , 
Now,  granting  that  some  obscure  and  illiterate  men, 
residing  in  a  distant  province  of  the  Roman  empire, 
had  plotted  to  impose  a  forgery  upon  the  world; 
though  some  foundation  for  the  imposture  might, 
and  indeed  must  have  been  attempted  to  be  laid ;  it 
seems,  at  least  to  my  understanding,  morally  impos- 
sible that  so  many  different  species  of  proofs,  and  all 
so  strong,  should  have  lent  their  concurrent  aid,  and 
have  united  \\ieu  joint  force  in  the  establishment  of 
the  falsehood. .,  It  may  assist  the  reader  in  estimating 


IN    IMPORTANT    PARTICULARS.  279 

the  value  of  this  argument,  to  consider  upon  how 
different  a  footing,  in  this  respect,  has  rested  every 
other  religious  system,  without  exception,  which 
was  ever  proposed  to  the  world;  and,  indeed,  every 
other  historical  fact,  of  which  the  truth  has  been  at 
all  contested. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


BRIEF  INQUIRY    INTO    THE   STATE    OF    CHRISTIANI- 
TY   IN     THIS     COUNTRY. ITS     IMPORTANCE     TO 

US  AS  A  POLITICAL  COMMUNITY,  AND  PRACTI- 
CAL HINTS  FOR  WHICH  THE  FOREGOING  CON- 
SIDERATIONS   GIVE    OCCASION. 

It  may  not  be  altogether  improper  to  remind  the 
reader,  that  hitherto  our  discussion  has  been  con- 
cerning the  prevailing  religious  opinions  merely  of 
professed  Christians;  no  longer  confining  ourselves 
to  persons  of  this  description,  let  us  now  extend  our 
inquiry,  and  briefly  investigate  the  general  state  of 
Christianity  in  this  country. 

The  tendency  of  religion  to  promote  the  temporal 
well-being  of  political  communities,  is  a  fact  which 


280  INdtriRY    INTO    THE    STATE 

depends  on  such  obvious  and  undeniable  principles, 
and  which  is  so  forcibly  inculcated  by  the  history  of 
all  ages,  that  there  can  be  no  necessity  for  entering 
into  a  formal  proof  of  its  truth.  It  has  indeed  been 
maintained,  not  merely  by  schoolmen  and  divines, 
but  by  the  most  celebrated  philosophers,  and  mora- 
lists, and  politicians  of  every  age. 

The  peculiar  excellence  in  this  respect  also  of 
Christianity,  considered  independently  of  its  truth  or 
falsehood,  has  been  recognized  by  many  writers, 
who,  to  say  the  least,  were  not  disposed  to  exagge- 
rate its  merits.  Either  or  both  of  these  propositions 
being  admitted,  the  state  of  religion  in  a  country  at 
any  given  period,  not  to  mention  its  connection  with 
the  eternal  happiness  of  the  inhabitants,  immediately 
becomes  a  question  of  great  political  importance : 
and  in  particular,  it  must  be  materia]  to  ascertain 
whether  religion  be  in  an  advancing  or  in  a  declining 
state  ;  and  if  the  latter  be  the  case,  whether  there  be 
any  practicable  means  for  preventing  at  least  its  far- 
ther declension. 

If  the  representations  contained  in  the  preceding 
chapters,  of  the  state  of  Christianity  among  the  bulk 
of  professed  Christians,  be  not  very  erroneous,  they 
may  well  excite  serious  apprehension  in  the  mind  of 
every  reader,  when  considered  merely  in  a  political 
view. 

When  it  is  proposed,  however,  to  inquire  into  the 
actual  state  of  religion  in  any  country,  and  in  parti- 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  281 

cular  to  compare  that  state  with  its  condition  at  any 
former  period,  there  is  one  preliminary  observation 
to  be  made.  There  exists,  established  by  tacit  consent, 
in  every  country,  what  may  be  called  a  general 
standard  or  tone  of  morals,  varying  in  the  same  com- 
munity at  different  periods,  and  different  at  the  same 
period  in  different  ranks  and  situations  in  societ3\ 
Whoever  falls  below  this  standard,  and,  not  unfre- 
quently,  whoever  also  rises  above  it,  offending  against 
this  general  rule,  suffers  proportionably  in  the  ge- 
neral estimation.  Thus  a  regard  for  character, 
which,  as  was  formerly  remarked,  is  commonly  the 
grand  governing  principle  among  men,  becomes  to 
a  certain  degree,  though  no  farther,  an  incitement  to 
morality  and  virtue.  It  follows  of  course,  that  where 
the  practice  does  no  more  than  come  up  to  the  re- 
quired level,  it  will  be  no  sufficient  evidence  of  the 
existence,  much  less  will  it  furnish  any  just  measure 
of  the  force  of  a  real  internal  principle  of  religion. 
Christians,  Jews,  Turks,  infidels,  and  heretics,  per- 
sons of  ten  thousand  different  sorts  of  passions  and 
opinions,  being  members  at  the  same  time  of  the 
same  community,  and  all  conscious  that  they  will 
be  examined  by  this  same  standard,  will  regulate 
their  conduct  accordingly,  and,  Avith  no  great  differ- 
ence, w^ill  all  adjust  themselves  to  the  required  mea- 
sure. 

It  must  also  be  remarked,  that  the  causes  which 
tend  to  raise  or  to  depress  this  standard,  commonly 
24* 


282  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

produce  their  effects  by  slow  and  almost  insensible 
degrees;  and  that  it  often  continues  for  some  time 
nearly  the  same,  when  the  circumstances  by  which  it 
was  fixed  have  materially  altered. 

It  is  a  truth  which  will  hardly  be  contested,  that 
Christianity,  whenever  it  has  at  all  prevailed,  has 
raised  the  general  standard  of  morals  to  a  height  be- 
fore unknown.  Some  actions,  which  among  the  an- 
cients were  scarcely  held  to  be  blemishes  in  the  most 
excellent  characters,  have  been  justly  considered  by 
the  laws  of  every  christian  community  as  meriting 
the  severest  punishments.  In  other  instances,  virtues 
formerly  rare  have  become  common ;  and  in  particu- 
lar, a  merciful  and  courteous  temper  has  softened  the 
rugged  manners,  and  humanized  the  brutal  ferocity 
prevalent  among  the  most  polished  nations  of  the 
heathen  world.  But  from  what  has  been  recently 
observed,  it  is  manifest,  that,  so  far  as  external  ap- 
pearances are  concerned,  these  effects,  when  once 
produced  by  Christianity,  are  produced  alike  in  those 
who  deny  and  in  those  who  admit  her  Divine  origi- 
nal ;  I  had  almost  said,  in  those  who  reject  and  those 
who  cordially  embrace  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel : 
and  these  effects  might,  and  probably  would  remain 
for  a  while,  without  any  great  apparent  alteration, 
however  her  spirit  might  languish,  or  even  her  au- 
thority decline.  The  form  of  the  temple,  as  was  once 
beautifully  remarked,  may  continue  when  the  dii 
iutelares — the  tutelary  deities — have  left  it.    When 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  283 

we  iire  inquiring  therefore  into  the  real  state  of  Chris- 
tianity at  any  period,  if  we  would  not  be  deceived 
in  this  important  investigation,  it  becomes  us  to  be 
the  more  careful  not  to  take  up  with  superficial  ap- 
pearances. 

It  may  perhaps  help  us  to  ascertain  the  advancing 
or  declining  state  of  Christianity  in  this  nation  at 
the  present  moment,  and  still  more  to  discover  some 
of  the  causes  by  which  that  state  has  been  produced, 
to  employ  a  little  time  in  considering  what  might 
naturally  be  expected  to  be  its  actual  situation  ;  what 
advantages  or  disadvantages  such  a  religion  might 
be  expected  to  derive  from  the  circumstances  in 
which  it  has  been  placed  among  us,  and  from  those 
in  which  it  still  continues. 

Experience  warrants,  and  reason  justifies  and  ex- 
plains the  assertion,  that  persecution  generally  tends 
to  quicken  the  vigor  and  extend  the  prevalence  of 
the  opinions  which  she  would  eradicate.  For  the 
peace  of  mankind,  it  has  grown  at  length  almost  into 
an  axiom,  that  "  her  devilish  engine  recoils  back  upon 
herself."  Christianity  especially  has  always  thriven 
under  persecution.  At  such  a  season  she  has  no  luke- 
warm professors;  no  adherents  concerning  whom  it 
is  doubtful  to  what  party  they  belong.  The  Chris- 
tian is  then  reminded  at  every  turn,  that  his  Mas- 
ter's kingdom  is  not  of  this  world.  When  all  on 
earth  wears  a  black  and  threatening  aspect,  he  looks 
up  to  hea  ren  for  consolation ;  he  learns  practically 


284  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

to  consider  himself  as  a  pilgrim  and  a  stranger.  He 
then  cleaves  to  fundamentals,  and  examines  well  his 
foundation.,  as  at  the  hour  i  death.  When  religion 
is  m  a  state  of  external  quiet  and  prosperity,  the  con- 
trary of  all  this  naturally  takes  place.  The  soldiers 
of  the  church  militant  then  forget  that  they  are  in  a 
state  of  warfare.  Their  ardor  slackens ;  their  zeal 
languishes.  Like  a  colony  long  settled  in  a  strange 
country,  they  are  gradually  assimilated  in  features, 
and  demeanor,  and  language,  to  the  native  inhabi- 
tants, till  at  length  almost  every  vestige  of  peculiari- 
ty dies  away. 

If,  in  general,  persecution  and  prosperity  be  pro- 
ductive respectively  of  these  opposite  effects,  this  cir- 
cumstance alone  might  teach  us  what  expectations 
to  form  concerning  the  state  of  Christianity  in  a 
country  where  her  institutions  have  long  been  amply 
endowed,  and  the  community  long  been  enjoying 
great  commercial  prosperity.  Let  it  also  be  sup- 
posed that  they  have  been  making  no  unequal  pro- 
gress in  all  those  arts,  and  sciences,  and  literary  pro- 
ductions, which  have  ever  been  |;he  growth  of  a 
polished  age,  and  are  the  sure  marks  of  a  highly 
finished  condition  of  society.  It  is  not  difficult  to 
anticipate  the  effects  likely  to  be  produced  on  vital 
religion,  both  in  the  clergy  and  the  laity,  by  such  a 
state  of  external  prosperity.  And  these  effects  must 
be  infallibly  furthered  where  the  country  in  question 
enjoys  a  free  constitution  of  government.    We  for 


CHRISTIANITY    IK    THIS    COUNTRY.  285 

merly  had  occasion  to  quote  the  remark  of  an  accu- 
rate observer  of  the  stage  of  human  life,  that  a  much 
looser  system  of  morals  commonly  prevails  in  the 
higher,  than  in  the  middling  and  lower  orders  of  so- 
ciety. Now,  in  every  country,  of  which  the  middling 
classes  are  daily  growing  in  wealth  and  consequence 
by  the  success  of  their  commercial  speculations;  and, 
most  of  all,  in  a  country  having  such  a  constitution 
as  our  own,  where  the  acquisition  of  riches  is  the 
possession  also  of  rank  and  power ;  with  the  com- 
forts and  refinements,  the  vices  also  of  the  higher 
orders  are  continually  descending,  and  a  mischiev- 
ous uniformity  of  sentiments,  and  manners,  and  mo- 
rals, gradually  diffuses  itself  throughout  the  whole 
community.  The  multiplication  of  great  cities  also, 
and  above  all,  the  habit,  ever  increasing  with  the 
mcreasing  wealth  of  the  country,  of  frequenting  a 
splendid  and  luxurious  metropolis,  would  power- 
fully tend  to  accelerate  the  discontinuance  of  the  re- 
ligious habits  of  a  purer  age,  and  to  accomplish  the 
substitution  of  a  more  relaxed  morality.  And  it  must 
even  be  confessed,  that  the  commercial  spirit,  much 
as  we  are  indebted  to  it,  is  not  naturally  favorable  to 
the  maintenance  of  the  religious  principle  in  a  vigo- 
rous and  lively  state. 

In  times  like  these,  therefore,  the  strict  precepts 
and  self-denying  habits  of  Christianity  naturally 
slide  into  disuse  ;  and,  even  among  the  better  sort  of 
Christians,  are  likely  to  be  softened,  so  far  at  least 


286  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

as  to  be  rendered  less  abhorrent  from  the  general 
disposition  to  relaxation  and  indulgence.  In  such 
prosperous  circumstances,  men,  in  truth,  are  apt  to 
think  very  little  about  religion.  Christianity,  there- 
fore, seldom  occupying  the  attention  of  the  bulk  of 
nominal  Christians,  and  being  scarcely  at  all  the  ob- 
ject of  their  study,  we  should  expect,  of  course,  to 
find  them  extremely  unacquainted  with  its  tenets. 
Those  doctrines  and  principles,  indeed,  which  it  con- 
tains in  common  with  the  law  of  the  land,  or  which 
are  sanctioned  by  the  general  standard  of  morals 
formerly  described,  being  brought  into  continual  no- 
tice and  mention  by  the  common  occurrences  of  life, 
might  continue  to  be  recognized.  But  whatever  she 
contains  peculiar  to  herself,  and  which  should  not  be 
habitually  brought  into  recollection  by  the  incidents 
of  every  day,  might  be  expected  to  be  less  and  less 
thought  of,  till  at  length  it  should  be  almost  wholly 
forgotten.  Still  more  might  this  be  naturally  expect- 
ed to  become  the  case,  if  the  peculiarities  in  question 
should  be,  from  their  very  nature,  at  war  with  pride, 
and  luxury,  and  worldly-mindedness,  the  too  general 
concomitants  of  rapidly  increasing  wealth :  and  this 
would  particularly  happen  among  the  laity,  if  the 
circumstances  of  their  having  been  at  any  time  abus- 
ed to  purposes  of  hypocrisy  or  fanaticism,  should 
have  prompted  even  some  of  the  better  disposed  of 
the  clergy,  perhaps  from  well  intentioned  though 
erroneous  motives,  to  bring  them  forward  less  fre- 
quently in  their  discourses  on  religion. 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  287 

When  so  many  should  thus  have  been  straying 
out  of  the  right  path,  some  bold  reformer  might, 
from  time  to  time,  be  likely  to  arise,  who  should  not 
unjustly  charge  them  with  their  deviation :  but, 
though  right  perhaps  in  the  main,  yet  deviating 
himself  also  in  an  opposite  direction,  and  creating 
disgust  by  his  violence,  or  vulgarity,  or  absurdities, 
he  might  fail,  except  in  a  few  instances,  to  produce 
the  effect  of  recalling  them  from  their  wanderings. 

Still,  however,  the  Divine  original  of  Christianity 
would  not  be  professedl}'-  disavowed  ;  partly  from  a 
real,  and  more  commonly  from  a  political  deference 
for  the  established  faith ;  but  most  of  all,  from  the 
bulk  of  mankind  being  not  yet  prepared,  as  it  were, 
to  throw  away  the  scabbard,  and  to  venture  their 
eternal  happiness  on  the  issue  of  its  falsehood.  Some 
bolder  spirits,  indeed,  might  be  expected  to  despise 
the  cautious  moderation  of  these  timid  reasoners, 
and  to  pronounce  decisively,  that  the  Bible  was  a 
forgery  :  while  the  generality,  professing  to  believe 
it  genuine,  should,  less  consistently,  be  satisfied  with 
remaining  ignorant  of  its  contents;  and  when  press- 
ed, should  discover  themselves  by  no  means  to  be- 
lieve many  of  the  most  important  particulars  con- 
tained in  it. 

When,  by  the  operation  of  causes  like  these,  any 
country  has  at  length  grown  into  the  condition  which 
has  been  here  stated,  it  is  but  too  obvious,  that,  in 
the  bulk  of  the  community,  religion,  already  sunk 


288  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    07 

■very  low,  must  be  hastening  fast  to  her  entire  disso- 
lution. Causes,  energetic  and  active  like  these^ 
though  accidental  hinderances  may  occasionally 
thwart  their  operation,  will  not  at  once  become  slug- 
gish and  unproductive.  Their  effect  is  sure;  and 
the  time  is  fast  approaching,  when  Christianity  will 
be  almost  as  openly  disavowed  in  the  language,  as 
in  fact  it  is  already  supposed  to  have  disappeared 
from  the  conduct  of  men  ;  when  infidelity  will  be 
held  to  be  the  necessary  appendage  of  a  man  of  fa- 
shion, and  to  believe  will  be  deemed  the  indication 
of  a  feeble  mind  and  a  contracted  understanding. 

Something  like  what  have  been  here  premised  are 
the  conjectures  which  we  should  naturally  be  led  to 
form  concerning  the  state  of  Christianity  in  this 
country,  and  its  probable  issue,  from  considering  her 
own  nature,  and  the  peculiar  circumstances  in  which 
she  has  been  placed.  That  her  real  condition  differs 
not  much  from  the  result  of  this  reasoning  from  pro- 
bability, must,  with  whatever  regret,  be  confessed  by 
all  who  take  a  careful  and  impartial  survey  of  the 
actual  situation  of  things  among  us.  But  our  hypo- 
thetical delineation,  if  just,  will  have  approved  itself 
to  the  reader's  conviction  as  we  have  gone  along ; 
and  we  may  therefore  be  spared  the  painful  and  in- 
vidious task  of  pointing  out  in  detail  the  several 
particulars  wherein  our  statements  are  justified  by 
facts.  Every  where  we  may  actually  trace  the  ef- 
fects of  increasing  wealth  and  luxury,  in  banishing^ 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.         289 

one  by  one  the  habits,  and  new-modeling  the  phra- 
seology of  stricter  times  ;  and  in  diffusing  through- 
out the  middle  ranks  those  relaxed  morals  and  dissi- 
pated manners  which  were  formerly  confined  to  the 
higher  classes  of  society.  We  meet,  indeed,  with 
more  refinement,  and  more  generally  with  those 
amiable  courtesies  which  are  its  proper  fruits :  those 
vices  also  have  become  less  frequent  which  natural- 
ly infest  the  darkness  of  a  ruder  and  less  polished 
age,  and  which  recede  on  the  approach  of  light  and 
civilization:  but  with  these  grossnesses,  religion,  on 
the  other  hand,  has  also  declined  ;  God  is  forgotten ; 
his  providence  is  exploded ;  his  hand  is  lifted  up,  but 
we  see  it  not ;  he  multiplies  our  comforts,  but  we  are 
not  grateful ;  he  visits  us  with  chastisements,  but  we 
are  not  contrite.  The  portion  of  the  week  set  apart 
to  the  service  of  religion  we  give  up,  without  re- 
luctance, to  vanity  and  dissipation. 

But  when  there  is  not  this  open  and  shameless 
disavowal  of  religion,  few  traces  of  it  are  to  be  found. 
Improving  in  almost  every  other  branch  of  know- 
ledge, we  have  become  less  and  less  acquainted  with 
Christianity.  The  preceding  chapters  have  pointed 
out,  among  those  who  believe  themselves  to  be  or- 
thodox Christians,  a  deplorable  ignorance  of  the  re- 
ligion they  profess,  an  utter  forgetfulness  of  the  pe- 
culiar doctrines  by  which  it  is  characterized,  a  dis 
position  to  regard  it  as  a  mere  system  of  ethics,  and, 
what  might  seem  an  inconsistency,  at  the  same  tirao 
25 


590  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    6t 

II  most  inadequate  idea  of  the  nature  and  strictness 
of  its  practical  principles.  This  declension  of  Chris- 
tianity into  a  mere  system  of  ethics,  may  partly  be 
accounted  for,  as  has  been  lately  suggested,  by  con- 
sideffing  the  corruption  of  our  nature,  what  Chris- 
tianity is,  and  in  what  circumstances  she  has  been 
placed  in  this  country.  But  it  has  also  been  consi- 
derably promoted  by  one  peculiar  cause,  on  which, 
for  many  reasons,  it  may  not  be  improper  to  dwell  a 
little  more  particularly. 

Christianity  in  its  best  days  (for  the  credit  of  our 
representations  let  this  be  remembered  by  those  who 
object  to  our  statement  as  austere  and  contracted) 
was  such  as  it  has  been  delineated  in  the  present 
work.  This  was  the  religion  of  the  most  eminent 
reformers,  of  those  bright  ornaments  of  our  country 
who  suffered  martyrdom  under  queen  Mary ;  of 
their  successors  in  the  times  of  Elizabeth  ;  in  short, 
of  all  the  pillars  of  our  Protestant  church  ;  of  many 
of  its  highest  dignitaries  ;  of  Davenant,  of  Jewell,  of 
Hall,  of  Reynolds,  of  Beveridge,  of  Hooker,  of  An- 
drews, of  Smith,  of  Leighton,  of  Usher,  of  Hopkins, 
of  Baxter,  and  of  many  others  of  scarcely  inferior 
note.  In  their  pages  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  Chris- 
tianity were  every  where  visible,  and  on  the.  deep 
antl  solid  basis  of  these  doctrinal  truths  were  laid 
the  foundations  of  a  superstructure  of  morals  propor- 
tionably  broad  and  exalted.  Of  this  fact  their  writings^ 
■still  extant,  are  a  decisive  proof;  and  those  who  may 


CHRISTIANITY    IX    THIS    COUNTRY.  29  J 

want  leisure,  or  opportunity,  or  inclination,  for  the 
perusal  of  these  valuable  records,  may  satisfy  them- 
selves of  the  truth  of  the  assertion,  that,  such  as  we 
have  stated  it,  was  the  Christianity  of  those  times, 
by  consulting  our  articles  and  homilies,  or  even  by 
carefully  examining  our  excellent  liturgy.  But  from 
that  tendency  to  deterioration  lately  noticed,  these 
great  fundamental  truths  began  to  be  somewhat  less 
prominent  in  the  compositions  of  many  of  the  lead- 
ing divines  before  the  time  of  the  civil  wars.  Dur- 
ing that  period,  however,  the  peculiar  doctrines  of 
Christianity  were  grievously  abused  by  many  who 
were  foremost  in  the  commotions  of  those  unhappy 
^ays  ;  who,  while  they  talked  copiously  of  the  free 
grace  of  Christ,  and  the  operations  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  were  by  their  lives  an  open  scandal  to  the 
name  of  Christian. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century  the 
divines  of  the  established  church  began  to  run  into 
a  different  error.  They  professed  to  make  it  their 
chief  object  to  inculcate  the  moral  and  practical  pre- 
cepts of  Christianity ;  but  without  sufficiently  main- 
taining, often  even  without  justly  laying  the  grand 
foundation  of  a  sinner's  acceptance  with  God,  or 
jpointing  out  how  the  practical  precepts  of  Christian- 
ity grow  out  of  her  peculiar  doctrines,  and  are  in- 
separably connected  with  them.*   By  this  fatal  er- 

*  See  chap.  iv.  sect.  vi.  where  this  most  important  truth  is 
expressly  and  fully  treated. 


292  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

ror  the  very  genius  and  essential  nature  of  Chris, 
tianity  imperceptibly  underwent  a  change.  She  no 
longer  retained  her  peculiar  character,  or  produced 
that  appropriate  frame  of  spirit  by  which  her  follow- 
ers had  been  characterized.  The  example  thus  set 
was  followed  during  the  present  century,  and  its  ef- 
fect was  aided  by  various  causes  already  pointed  out. 
In  addition  to  these,  it  may  be  proper  to  mention  as 
a  cause  of  powerful  operation,  that  for  the  last  fifty 
years  the  press  has  teemed  with  moral  essays,  m-any 
of  them  published  periodically,  and  most  extensively 
circulated  ;  which,  being  considered  either  as  works 
of  mere  entertainment,  or  in  which  at  least  enter- 
tainment was  to  be  blended  with  instruction,  rather 
than  as  religious  pieces,  were  kept  clear  from  what- 
ever might  give  them  the  air  of  sermons,  or  cause 
them  to  wear  an  appearance  of  seriousness  incon- 
sistent with  the  idea  of  relaxation.  But  in  this  way 
the  fatal  habit  of  considering  christian  morals  as  dis- 
distinct  from  christian  doctrines,  insensibly  gained 
strength.  Thus  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  Christianity 
went  more  and  more  out  of  sight ;  and,  as  might  na- 
turally have  been  expected,  the  moral  system  itself 
also  began  to  wither  and  decay,  being  robbed  of  that 
which  should  have  supplied  it  with  life  and  nutri- 
ment. At  length,  in  our  own  days,  these  peculiar 
doctrines  have  almost  altogether  vanished  from  the 
view.  Even  in  many  sermons  scarcely  any  traces 
of  them  are  to  be  found. 


CHRISTIANITi'    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  ^93 

'But  the  degree  of  neglect  into  which  they  are  re- 
■-aily  fallen  may  perhaps  be  rendered  still  more  mani- 
fest by  appealing  to  another  criterion.  There  is  a 
certain  class  of  publications,  of  which  it  is  the  object 
to  give  us  exact  delineations  of  life  and  manners; 
and  when  these  are  written  by  authors  of  accurate 
observation  and  deep  knowledge  of  human  nature, 
and  many  such  there  have  been  in  our  times,  they 
furnish  a  more  faithful  picture  than  can  be  obtained 
in  any  other  way,  of  the  prevalent  opinions  and  feel- 
ings of  mankind.  It  must  be  obvious  that  novels 
are  here  alluded  to.  A  careful  perusal  of  the  most 
celebrated  of  these  pieces  would  furnish  a  strong  con- 
firmation of  the  apprehension,  suggested  from  other 
considerations,  concerning  the  very  low  state  of  reli- 
gion in  this  country ;  but  they  would  still  more  strik- 
ingly illustrate  the  truth  of  the  remark,  that  the  grand 
peculiarities  of  Christianity  are  almost  vanished  from 
the  view.  In  a  sermon,  although  throughout  the 
whole  of  it  there  may  have  been  no  traces  of  these 
peculiarities,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  the  preach- 
er closes  with  an  ordinary  form,  which,  if  one  were 
to  assert  that  they  were  absolutely  omitted,  would 
immediately  be  alledged  in  contradiction  of  the  as- 
sertion, and  may  just  serve  to  protect  them  from  fall- 
ing into  entire  oblivion.  But  in  novels,  the  writer  is 
not  so  tied  down.  In  these,  people  of  religion,  and 
clergymen  too,  are  placed  in  all  possible  situations, 
and  the  sentiments  and  language  deemed  suitable  IQ 
25* 


294  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

the  occasion  are  assigned  to  them.  They  are  intro- 
duced instructing-,  reproving,  counseling,  comfort- 
ing. It  is  often  the  author's  intention  to  represent 
them  in  a  favorable  point  of  view,  and  accordingly 
he  makes  them  as  well-informed  and  as  good  Chris- 
tians as  he  knows  how.  They  are  painted  amiable, 
benevolent,  and  forgiving ;  but  it  is  not  too  much  to 
say,  that  if  all  the  peculiarities  of  Christianity  had 
never  existed,  or  had  been  proved  to  be  false,  the  cir- 
cumstance would  scarcely  create  the  necessity  of  al- 
tering a  single  syllable  in  any  of  the  most  celebrated 
of  these  performances.  It  is  striking  to  observe  the 
difference  which  there  is  in  this  respect  in  similar 
works  of  Mohammedan  authors,  wherein  the  charac- 
ters, which  they  mean  to  represent  in  a  favorable 
light,  are  drawn  far  more  observant  of  the  peculiari- 
ties of  their  religion. 

If  this  be  the  state  of  things  even  in  the  case  of 
sermons,  and  of  the  compositions  of  those  whose 
sphere  of  information  must  be  supposed  larger  than 
that  of  the  bulk  of  mankind ;  it  must  excite  less 
wonder,  that  in  the  world  in  general,  though  Chris- 
tianity be  not  formally  denied,  people  know  little 
about  it ;  and  that  in  fact  you  find,  when  you  come 
to  converse  with  them,  that,  admitting  in  terms  the 
Divine  revelation  of  Scripture,  they  are  far  from  be- 
lieving the  propositions  it  contains. 

It  has  also  been  a  melancholy  prognostic  of  the 
state  to  which  we  are  progressive,  that  many  of  the 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  295 

most  eminent  literary  characters  of  modern  times 
have  been  professed  unbelievers ;  and  that  others 
have  discovered  such  lukewarmness  in  the  cause  ol 
Christ,  as  to  treat  with  especial  good  will,  attention, 
and  respect,  those  who,  by  their  avowed  publica- 
tions, were  openly  assailing-,  or  insidiously  under- 
mining the  very  foundations  of  the  Christian  hope; 
considering  themselves  as  more  closely  united  to 
them  by  literature,  than  severed  from  them  bj?-  the 
widest  religious  differences.*  Can  it  then  occasion 
surprise,  that,  under  all  these  circumstances,  one  ol 
the  most  acute  and  most  forward  of  the  professed 
unbelieversf  should  appear  to  anticipate,  as  at  no 
great  distance,  the  more  complete  triumph  of  his 

*  It  is  with  pain  that  the  author  finds  himself  compelled 
to  place  so  great  a  writer  as  Dr.  Robertson  in  this  class.  But, 
to  say  nothing  of  his  phlegmatic  account  of  the  Reformation, 
(a  subject  which  we  should  have  thought  likel}'-  to  excite  ih 
any  one,  who  united  the  character  of  a  Christiai  divine  with 
that  of  an  historian,  some  warmth  of  pious  gratitude  for  the 
good  providence  of  God,)  to  pass  over  also  other  points,  his 
letters  to  Mr.  Gibbon  cannot  but  excite  emotions  of  regret  in 
every  sincere  Christian.  The  author  must  be  understood 
decidedly  to  condemn  a  hot,  a  contentious,  much  more  an 
abusive  manner  of  opposing  or  of  speaking  of  the  assailants 
of  Christianity.  The  apostle's  direction  in  this  respect  can- 
not be  too  much  attended  to.  "  The  servant  of  the  Lord 
must  not  strive  ;  but  be  gentle  unto  all  men,  apt  to  teach,  pa- 
tient, in  meekness  instructing  those  that  oppose  themselves ; 
if  God  peradventure  will  give  them  repentance  to  the  ac« 
jmowledging  of  the  truth."  2  Tim.  2 :  24,  25. 
t  Hume. 


296  INdrlRY   INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

sceptical  principles  j  and  that  another  author  of  dis- 
tinguished name,*  not  so  openly  professing  those 
infidel  opinions,  should  declare  of  the  writer  above 
alluded  to,  whose  great  abilities  had  been  systemati- 
cally prostituted  to  the  open  attack  of  every  principle 
of  religion,  both  natural  and  revealed,  '•  that  he 
had  always  considered  him,  both  in  his  life-time  and 
since  his  death,  as  approaching  as  nearly  to  the  idea 
of  a  perfectly  wise  and  virtuous  man,  as  perhaps  the 
nature  of  human  frailty  will  permit  ?"t 

Can  there  then  be  a  doubt  whither  tends  the  path 
in  \vhich  we  are  traveling,  and  whither  at  length  it 
must  conduct  us  ?  If  any  should  hesitate,  let  them 
take  a  lesson  from  experience.  In  a  neighboring 
country,  several  of  the  same  causes  have  been  in  ac- 
tion; and  they  have  at  length  produced  their  full  ef- 
fect :  manners  corrupted,  morals  depraved,  dissipa- 
tion predominant,  above  all,  religion  discredited,  and 
infidelity  grown  into  repute  and  fashion, J  terminated 
in  the  public  disavowal  of  every  religious  principle 
which  had  been  used  to  attract  the  veneration  ot 

♦  Dr.  A  Smith. 

+  See,  however,  Bishop  Home's  letter  to  Dr.  A.  Smith  re- 
specting Hume,  under  the  signature  of  "  One  of  the  people 
called  Christians." 

t  What  is  here  stated  must  be  acknowledged  by  all,  be 
their  political  opinions  concerning  French  events  what  they 
may  ;  and  it  makes  no  difference  in  the  writer's  view  of  the 
subject,  whether  the  state  of  morals  was  or  was  not  quite, 
or  nearly  as  bad,  before  the  French  revolution. 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  297 

mankind:  the  representatives  of  a  whole  nation 
publicly  witnessing,  not  only  without  horror,  but,  to 
say  the  least,  without  disapprobation,  an  open  un- 
qualified denial  of  the  very  existence  of  God,  and  at 
length,  as  a  body,  withdrawing  their  allegiance  from 
the  Majesty  of  Heaven  ! 

There  are  not  a  few,  perhaps,  who  may  have  wit- 
nessed with  apprehension,  and  may  be  ready  to  con- 
fess with  pain,  the  gradual  declension,  but  who  at 
the  time  may  conceive  that  the  writer  of  this  tract  is 
disposed  to  carry  things  too  far.  They  may  even  al- 
ledge,  that  the  degree  of  religion  for  which  he  con- 
tends is  inconsistent  with  the  ordinary  business  of 
life,  and  with  the  well-being  of  society ;  that  if  it 
were  generally  to  prevail,  people  would  be  wholly 
engrossed  by  religion,  and  all  their  time  occupied 
by  prayer  and  preaching.  Agriculture  and  com- 
merce would  decline,  the  arts  would  languish,  the 
very  duties  of  common  life  would  be  neglected ;  and, 
m  short,  the  whole  machine  of  civil  society  would 
be  obstructed,  and  speedily  stopped. 

In  reply  to  this  objection  it  might  be  urged,  that 
though  we  should  allow  it  for  a  moment  to  be  in  a 
considerable  degree  well  founded,  yet  this  admission 
would  not  warrant  the  conclusion  intended  to  be 
drawn  from  it.  The  question  would  still  remain, 
whether  our  representation  of  what  Christianity  re- 
quires be  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God?  for  if  it 
be,  surely  it  must  be  confessed  to  be  a  matter  of  small 


29S  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

account  to  sacrifice  a  little  worldly  comfort  and 
prosperity,  during  the  short  span  of  our  existence  in 
this  life,  in  order  to  secure  a  crown  of  eternal  glory, 
and  the  enjoyment  of  those  pleasures  which  are  at 
God's  right  hand  for  evermore  !  It  might  be  added 
also,  that  our  blessed  Savior  had  fairly  declared,  that 
it  would  often  be  required  of  Christians  to  make 
such  a  sacrifice  ;  and  had  forewarned  us,  that,  in  or- 
der to  be  able  to  do  it  with  cheerfulness  whenever 
the  occasion  should  arrive,  we  must  habitually  sit 
loose  to  all  worldly  possessions  and  enjoyments. 
And  it  might  further  be  remarked,  that  though  it 
were  even  admitted,  that  the  general  prevalence  of 
vital  Christianity  should  somewhat  interfere  with 
the  views  of  national  wealth  and  aggrandizement, 
yet  that  there  is  too  much  reason  to  believe  that  this 
general  prevalence,  to  speak  justly,  could  not  be 
hoped  for.  But  indeed  the  objection  on  which  wo 
have  now  been  commenting,  is  not  only  groundless, 
but  the  very  contrary  to  it  is  the  truth.  If  Chris- 
tianity, such  as  we  have  represented  it,  were  gene- 
rally to  prevail,  the  world,  from  being  such  as  it  is, 
would  become  a  scene  of  general  peace  and  pros- 
perity; and  abating  the  chances  and  calamities 
••  which  flesh  is  inseparably  heir  to,"  would  wear 
one  unwearied  face  of  complacency  and  joy. 

On  the  first  promulgation  of  Christianity,  it  is  true, 
some  of  her  early  converts  seem  to  have  been  in 
danger  of  so  far  mistaking  the  principles  of  the  new 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  299 

religion,  as  to  imagine  that  in  future  they  were  to 
be  discharged  from  an  active  attendance  on  their  se- 
cular affairs.  But  the  apostle  most  pointedly  guarded 
them  against  so  gross  an  error,  and  expressly  and 
repeatedly  enjoined  them  to  perform  the  particular 
duties  of  their  several  stations  with  increased  alacrity 
and  fidelity,  that  they  might  thereby  do  credit  to 
their  Christian  profession.  This  he  did,  at  the  same 
time  that  he  prescribed  to  them  that  predominant 
love  of  God  and  of  Christ,  that  heavenly-mindedness, 
that  comparative  indifference  to  the  things  of  this 
world,  that  earnest  endeavor  after  growth  in  grace 
and  perfection  in  holiness,  which  have  already  been 
stated  as  the  essential  characteristics  of  real  Christiani- 
ty. It  cannot  therefore  be  supposed  by  any  who  allow 
to  the  apostle  even  the  claim  of  a  consistent  instructor, 
much  less  by  any  who  admit  his  Divine  authority, 
that  these  latter  precepts  are  incompatible  with  the 
former.  Let  it  be  remembered,  that  the  grand  cha- 
racteristic mark  of  the  trlie  Christian  which  has  been 
insisted  on,  is  his  desiring  to  please  God  in  all  his 
thoughts,  and  words,  and  actions;  to  take  the  re- 
vealed word  to  be  the  rule  of  his  belief  and  practice ; 
to  "  let  his  light  shine  before  men  ;"  and  in  all  things 
to  adorn  the  doctrine  which  he  professes.  No  calling 
is  proscribed,  no  pursuit  is  forbidden,  no  science  or 
art,  no  pleasure  is  disallowed,  which  is  reconcilable 
with  this  prmciple.  Christianity  indeed  will  not  favor 
that  vehement  and  inordinate  ardor  in  the  pursuit  of 


200  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

temporal  objects,  which  tends  to  the  acquisition  of 
immense  wealth,  or  of  widely  spread  renown :  nor  is 
it  calculated  to  gratify  the  extravagant  views  of  those 
mistaken  politicians,  the  chief  object  of  whose  admi- 
ration, and  the  main  scope  of  whose  endeavors  for 
their  country,  are  extended  dominion,  and  command- 
ing power,  and  unrivaled  affluence,  rather  than  the 
more  solid  advantages  of  peace,  and  comfort,  and  se- 
curity. These  men  would  barter  comfort  for  great- 
ness. In  their  vain  reveries  they  forget  that  a  nation 
consists  of  individuals,  and  that  true  national  pros- 
perity is  no  other  than  the  multiplication  of  particu- 
lar happiness. 

But  in  fact,  so  far  is  it  from  being  true  that  the 
prevalence  of  real  religion  would  produce  a  stagna- 
tion in  life  ;  that  a  man,  whatever  might  be  his  em- 
ployment or  pursuit,  would  be  furnished  with  a  new 
motive  to  prosecute  it  with  alacrity,  a  motive  far  more 
constant  and  vigorous  than  any  human  prospects  can 
supply :  at  the  same  time,  his  solicitude  being  not  so 
much  to  succeed  in  whatever  he  might  be  engaged 
in,  as  to  act  from  a  pure  principle,  and  leave  the 
eve»nt  to  God,  he  would  not  be  liable  to  the  same 
disappointments  as  men  who  are  active  and  labori- 
ous from  a  desire  of  worldly  gain  or  of  human  esti- 
mation. Thus  he  would  possess  the  true  secret  of 
a  life  at  the  same  time  useful  and  happy.  Following 
peace  also  with  all  men,  and  looking  upon  them  as 
members  of  the  same  family,  entitled  not  only  to  the 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  301 

debts  of  justice,  but  to  the  less  definite  and  more  libe- 
ral claims  of  fraternal  kindness,  he  would  naturally 
be  respected  and  beloved  by  others,  and  be  in  him- 
self free  from  the  tnnoyance  of  those  bad  passions 
by  which  those  who  are  actuated  by  worldly  princi- 
ples are  so  commonly  corroded.  If  any  country 
were  indeed  filled  with  men,  each  thus  diligently 
discharging  the  duties  of  his  own  station  without 
breaking  in  upon  the  rights  of  others,  but  on  the  con- 
trary endeavoring,  so  far  as  he  might  be  able,  to 
forward  their  views  and  promote  their  happiness,  all 
would  be  active  and  harmonious  in  the  goodly  frame 
of  human  society.  There  would  be  no  jarrings,  no 
discord.  The  whole  machine  of  civil  life  would 
work  without  obstruction  or  disorder. 

Such  would  be  the  happy  state  of  a  truly  Chris- 
tian nation  within  itself  Nor  would  its  condition 
with  regard  to  foreign  countries  form  a  contrast  to 
this  its  internal  comfort.  Such  a  community  on 
the  contrary,  peaceable  at  home,  would  be  respected 
and  beloved  abroad.  General  integrity  in  all  its  deal- 
ings would  inspire  universal  confidence:  difl^erences 
between  nations  commonly  arises  from  mutual  inju- 
ries, and  still  more  from  mutual  jealousy  and  dis- 
trust. Of  the  former  there  would  be  no  longer  any 
ground  for  complaint;  the  latter  would  find  nothing 
to  attach  upon.  But  if,  in  spite  of  all  its  justice  and 
forbearance,  the  violence  of  some  neighboring  state 
should  force  it  to  resist  an  unprovoked  attack,  hosti- 
26 


o02  INQTTIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

lities  strictly  defensive  are  those  only  in  whicli  it 
would  be  engaged,  its  domestic  union  would  double 
its  national  force,  while  the  consciousness  of  a  good 
cause,  and  of  the  general  favor  of  God,  Avould  invi- 
gorate its  arm.  and  inspirit  its  efforts. 

It  is  indeed  the  position  of  an  author  whose  love 
of  paradox  has  not  seldom  led  him  into  error,  that 
true  Christianity  is  an  enemy  to  patriotism.  If  by 
patriotism  be  meant  that  mischievous  and  domineer- 
ing quality  which  renders  men  ardent  to  promote, 
not  the  happiness,  but  the  aggrandizement  of  their 
own  country,  by  the  oppression  and  conquest  of  every 
ocher  ;  to  such  patriotism,  so  generally  applauded  in 
the  heathen  world,  that  religion  must  be  indeed  an 
enemy,  whose  foundation  is  justice,  and  whose  com- 
pendious character  is  ''peace,  and  good-will  toward 
men."  But  if  by  patriotism  be  understood  that  quali- 
ty which,  without  shutting  up  our  philanthropy  with- 
in the  narrow  bounds  of  a  single  kingdom,  yet  at- 
taches us  in  particular  to  the  country  to  which  we 
belong;  of  this  true  patriotism,  Christianity  is  the 
most  copious  source,  and  the  surest  preservative. 
The  contrary  opinion  can  indeed  only  have  arisen 
from  not  considering  the  fullness  and  universality  of 
our  Savior's  precepts.  Not  like  the  puny  produc- 
tions of  human  workmanship,  which,  at  the  best,  can 
commonly  serve  but  the  particular  purpose  that  they 
are  specially  designed  to  answer,  the  moral  as  well 
as  the  physical  principles  of  the  great  Author  of  all 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  303 

things  are  capable  of  being  applied  at  once  to  ten 
thousand  different  uses  ;  thus,  amidst  infinite  compli- 
cation, preserving  a  grand  simplicity,  and  therein 
bearing  the  unambiguous  stamp  of  their  divine  ori- 
ginal. Thus,  to  specify  one  out  of  the  numberless 
instances  which  might  be  adduced — the  principle  of 
gravitation,  while  it  is  subservient  to  all  the  mecha- 
nical purposes  of  common  life,  keeps  at  the  same 
time  the  stars  in  their  courses,  and  sustains  the  har- 
mony of  worlds. 

Thus  also  in  the  case  before  us ;  society  consists 
of  a  numberof  different  circles  of  various  magnitudes 
and  uses  ;  and  that  circumstance,  wherein  the  prin- 
ciple of  patriotism  chiefly  consists,  whereby  the  duty 
of  patriotism  is  best  practiced,  and  the  happiest  ef- 
fects to  the  general  weal  produced,  is,  that  it  should 
be  the  desire  and  aim  of  every  individual  to  fill  well 
his  own  proper  circle,  as  a  part  and  member  of  the 
whole,  with  a  view  to  the  production  of  general  hap- 
piness. This  our  Savior  enjoined  when  he  prescrib- 
ed the  duty  of  universal  love,  which  is  but  another 
term  for  the  most  exalted  patriotism.  Benevolence,  in- 
deed, when  not  originating  from  religion,  dispenses 
but  from  a  scanty  and  precarious  fund  ;  and  there- 
fore if  it  be  liberal  in  the  case  of  some  objects,  it  is 
generally  found  to  be  contracted  towards  others. 
Men  who,  acting  from  worldly  principles,  make  the 
greatest  stir  about  general  philanthrophy  or  zealous 
patriotism,  are  often  very  deficient  in  their  conduct 


304  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

in  domestic  life ;  and  very  neglectful  of  the  opportu- 
nities, fully  within  their  reach,  of  promoting  the  com- 
fort of  those  with  whom  they  are  immediately  con- 
nected. But  true  Christian  benevolence  is  always 
occupied  in  producing  happiness  to  the  utmost  of  its 
power,  and  according  to  the  extent  of  its  sphere,  be 
it  larger  or  more  limited ;  it  contracts  itself  to  the 
measure  of  the  smallest;  it  can  expand  itself  to  thj 
amplitude  of  the  largest.  It  resembles  majestic 
rivers,  which  are  poured  from  an  unfailing  and  abun- 
dant source.  Silent  and  peaceful  in  their  outset,  they 
begin  with  dispensing  beauty  and  comfort  to  every 
cottage  by  which  they  pass.  In  their  further  pro- 
gress they  fertilize  provinces  and  enrich  kingdoms. 
At  length  they  pour  themselves  into  the  ocean, 
where,  changing  their  names,  but  not  their  nature, 
they  visit  distant  nations  and  other  hemispheres,  and 
spread  throughout  the  world  the  expansive  tide  of 
their  beneficence. 

It  must  be  confessed  that  many  of  the  good  effects 
of  which  religion  is  productive  to  political  societies, 
would  be  produced  even  by  a  false  religion,  which 
should  prescribe  good  morals,  and  should  be  able 
to  enforce  its  precepts  by  sufficient  sanctions.  Of 
this  nature  are  those  effects  which  depend  on  our 
calling  in  the  aid  of  a  Being  who  sees  the  heart,  in 
order  to  assist  the  weakness  and  in  various  ways  to 
supply  the  inherent  defects  of  all  human  jurispru- 
dence. But  the  superior  excellence  of  Christianity  in 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRT.  305 

this  respect  must  be  acknowledged,  both  in  the  su- 
periority of  her  moral  code,  and  in  the  powerful  mo- 
tives and  efficacious  means  which  she  furnishes  for 
enabling  us  to  practice  it,  and  in  the  tendency  of 
her  doctrines  to  provide  for  the  observance  of  her 
precepts,  by  producing  tempers  of  mind  which  cor- 
respond with  them. 

But,  more  than  all  this,  it  has  not  perhaps  been 
enough  remarked,  that  true  Christianity,  from  her 
essential  nature,  appears  peculiarly  and  powerfully 
adapted  to  promote  the  preservation  and  healthful- 
ness  of  political  communities.  What  is  in  truth  their 
grand  malady?  The  answer  is  short,  selfishness. 
This  is  that  young  disease  received  at  the  moment 
of  their  birth,  "  which  grows  with  their  growth,  and 
strengthens  with  their  strength ;"  and  through  which 
they  at  length  expire,  if  not  cut  off  prematurely  by 
some  external  shock  or  intestine  convulsion. 

The  disease  of  selfishness,  indeed,  assumes  differ- 
ent forms  in  the  different  classes  of  society.  In  the 
great  and  the  wealthy  it  displays  itself  in  luxury,  in 
pomp  and  parade,  and  in  all  the  frivolities  of  a  sick- 
ly and  depraved  imagination,  which  seeks  in  vain 
its  own  gratification,  and  is  dead  to  the  generous  and 
energetic  pursuits  of  an  enlarged  heart.  In  the  lower 
orders,  when  not  motionless  under  the  weight  of  a 
superincumbent  despotism,  it  manifests  itself  in  pride, 
and  its  natural  offspring,  insubordination  in  all  its 
modes.  But  though  the  external  effects  may  vary, 
26* 


S06  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

the  internal  principle  is  the  same ;  a  disposition  in 
each  individual  to  make  self  the  grand  centre  and 
end  of  his  desires  and  enjoyments ;  to  overrate  his 
own  merits  and  importance,  and  of  course  to  magni- 
fy his  claims  on  others,  and  in  return  to  underrate 
theirs  on  him  ;  a  disposition  to  undervalue  the  advan- 
tages, and  overstate  the  disadvantages  of  his  con- 
dition in  life.  Thence  spring  rapacity,  and  venality, 
and  sensuality.  Thence  imperious  nobles  and  fac- 
tious leaders,  and  an  unruly  commonalty,  bearing 
with  difficulty  the  inconveniences  of  a  lower  station, 
and  imputing  to  the  nature  or  administration  of  their 
government  the  evils  which  necessarily  flow  from 
the  very  constitution  of  our  species,  or  which  per- 
haps are  chiefly  the  result  of  their  own  vices  and 
follies.  The  opposite  to  selfishness  is  public  spirit ; 
which  may  be  termed,  not  unjustly,  the  grand  prin- 
ciple of  political  vitality,  the  very  life's-breath  of 
states,  which  tends  to  keep  them  active  and  vigo- 
rous, and  to  carry  them  to  greatness  and  glory. 

The  tendency  of  public  spirit,  and  the  opposite 
tendency  of  selfishness,  have  not  escaped  the  obser- 
vation of  the  founders  of  states,  or  of  the  writers  on 
government ;  and  various  expedients  have  been  re- 
sorted to  and  extolled  for  cherishing  the  one,  and  for 
repressing  the  other.  Sometimes  a  principle  of  inter- 
nal agitation  and  dissension,  resulting  from  the  very 
frame  of  the  government,  has  been  productive  of  the 
effect.  Sparta  flourished  for  more  than  seven  hundred 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  307 

years  under  the  civil  institutions  of  Lycurorus ;  which 
guarded  against  the  selfish  principle,  by  prohibiting 
commerce,  and  imposing  universal  poverty  and  hard- 
ship. The  Roman  commonwealth,  in  which  public 
spirit  was  cherished,  and  selfishness  checked,  by  the 
principle  of  the  love  of  glory,  was  also  of  long  con- 
tinuance. This  passion  naturally  operates  to  pro- 
duce an  unbounded  spirit  of  conquest,  which,  like 
the  ambition  of  the  greatest  of  its  own  heroes,  was 
never  satiated  while  any  other  kingdom  was  left  it 
to  subdue.  The  principle  of  political  vitality,  when 
kept  alive  only  by  means  like  these,  merits  the  de- 
scription once  given  of  eloquence:  "Sicut  fiamma, 
materia  alitur,  et  motibus  excitatur,  et  urendo  clares- 
cit."  But,  like  eloquence,  when  no  longer  called 
into  action  by  external  causes,  or  fomented  by  civil 
broils,  it  gradually  languishes.  Wealth  and  luxu- 
ry produce  stagnation,  and  stagnation  terminates  in 
death. 

To  provide,  however,  for  the  continuance  of  a 
state,  by  the  admission  of  internal  dissensions,  or 
even  by  the  chilling  influence  of  poverty,  seems  to 
be  in  some  sort  sacrificing  the  end  to  the  means. 
Happiness  is  the  end  for  which  men  unite  in  civil 
society ;  but  in  societies  thus  constituted,  little  happi- 
ness, comparatively  speaking,  is  to  be  found.  The 
expedient,  again,  of  preserving  a  state  by  the  spirit 
of  conquest,  though  even  this  has  not  wanted  its  ad- 
mirers, is  not  to  be  tolerated  for  a  moment,  when 


303  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

considered  on  principles  of  universal  justice.  Such 
a  state  lives,  and  grows,  and  thrives  by  the  misery 
of  others,  and  becomes  professedly  the  general  ene- 
my of  its  neighbors,  and  the  scourge  of  the  human 
race.  All  these  devices  are  in  truth  but  too  much 
like  the  fabrications  of  man,  when  compared  with 
the  works  of  the  Supreme  Being;  clumsy,  yet  weak 
in  the  execution  of  their  purpose,  and  full  of  contra- 
dictory principles  and  jarring  movements. 

I  might  here  enlarge  with  pleasure  on  the  unri- 
valled excellence,  in  this  very  view,  of  the  constitu- 
tion under  which  we  live  in  this  happy  country ; 
and  point  out  how,  more  perhaps  than  any  which 
ever  existed  upon  earth,  it  is  so  framed  as  to  provide 
at  the  same  time  for  keeping  up  a  due  degree  of 
public  spirit,  and  yet  for  preserving  unimpaired  the 
quietness,  and  comfort,  and  charities  of  private  life; 
how  it  even  extracts  from  selfishness  itself  many  of 
the  advantages  which,  under  less  happily  constructed 
forms  of  government,  public  spirit  only  can  supply. 
But  such  a  political  discussion  would  here  be  out  of 
place.  It  is  rather  our  business  to  remark,  how 
much  Christianity  in  every  way  sets  herself  in  direct 
hostility  to  selfishness,  the  mortal  distemper  of  poli- 
tical communities  ;  and  consequently  how  their  wel- 
fare must  be  inseparable  from  her  prevalence.  It 
might  indeed  be  almost  stated  as  the  main  object  and 
chief  concern  of  Christianity,  to  root  out  our  natural 
selfishness,  and  to  rectify  the  false  standard  which  it 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  309 

imposes  on  us  ;  with  views,  however,  far  higher  than 
any  which  concern  merely  our  temporal  and  social 
well-being ;  to  bring  us  to  a  just  estimate  of  ourselves, 
and  of  all  around  us,  and  to  a  due  impression  of  the 
various  claims  and  obligations  resuUing  from  the 
different  relations  in  which  we  stand.  Benevolence, 
enlarged,  vigorous,  operative  benevolence,  is  her 
master  principle.  Moderation  in  temporal  pursuits 
and  enjoyments,  comparative  indifference  to  the  issue 
of  worldly  projects,  diligence  in  the  discharge  of  per- 
sonal and  civil  duties,  resignation  to  the  will  of  God, 
and  patience  under  all  the  dispensations  of  his  pro- 
vidence, are  among  her  daily  lessons.  Humility  is 
one  of  the  essential  qualities  which  her  precepts 
most  directly  and  strongly  enjoin,  and  which  all  her 
various  doctrines  tend  to  call  forth  and  cultivate  :  and 
humility,  as  has  been  before  suggested,  lays  the 
deepest  and  surest  grounds  for  benevolence.  In 
whatever  class  or  order  of  society  Christianity  pre- 
vails, she  sets  herself  to  rectify  the  particular  faults, 
or,  if  we  would  speak  more  distinctly,  to  counteract 
khe  particular  mode  of  selfishness  to  which  that  class 
IS  liable.  Affluence  she  teaches  to  be  liberal  and  be- 
aeficent ;  authority  to  bear  its  facukies  with  meek- 
ness, and  to  consider  the  various  cares  and  obliga- 
ions  belonging  to  its  elevated  station  as  being  con- 
iitions  on  which  that  station  is  conferred.  Thus, 
>oftening  the  glare  of  wealth  and  moderating  the 
insolence  of  power,  she  renders  the  inequalities  of 


SIO  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

the  social  state  less  galling  to  those  in  the  humbler 
walks  of  life,  whom  also  she  instructs,  in  their  turn, 
to  be  diligent,  humble,  patient:  reminding  them  that 
their  more  lowly  path  has  been  allotted  to  them  by 
the  hand  of  God ;  that  it  is  their  part  faithfully  to 
discharge  its  duties,  and  contentedly  to  bear  its  in- 
conveniences ;  that  the  present  state  of  things  is  very 
short ;  that  the  objects  about  which  worldly  men 
conflict  so  eagerly,  are  not  worth  the  contest;  that 
the  peace  of  mind  which  religion  offers  to  all  ranks 
indiscriir.inately,  affords  more  true  satisfaction  than 
all  the  expensive  pleasures  which  are  beyond  the 
poor  man's  reach.  Also,  that  in  this  view  the  poor 
have  the  advantage,  and  that  if  their  superiors  enjoy 
more  abundant  comforts,  they  are  likewise  exposed 
to  many  temptations  from  which  the  inferior  classes 
are  happily  exempted ;  that  "having  food  and  rai- 
ment, they  should  be  therewith  content,"  for  that 
their  situation  in  life,  with  all  its  evils,  is  better  than 
they  have  deserved  at  the  hand  of  God ;  finally,  that 
all  human  distinctions  will  soon  be  done  away,  and 
the  true  followers  of  Christ  will  all,  as  children  of 
the  same  Father,  be  alike  admitted  to  the  possession 
of  the  same  heavenly  inheritance.  Such  are  the 
blessed  effects  of  Christianity  on  the  temporal  well- 
being  of  political  communities. 

The  Christianity  which  can  produce  effects  like 
these  must  be  real,  not  nominal ;  deep,  not  superficiah 
Such  then  is  the  religion  we  should  cultivate,  if  we 


CTiniSTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  SIl 

would  realize  these  pleasing  speculations,  and  arrest 
the  progress  of  political  deray.  But  in  the  present 
circumstances  of  this  country,  it  is  a  farther  reason 
for  endeavoring  to  cultivate  this  vital  Christianit}-, 
still  considering  its  effects  merely  in  a  political  vieu-, 
that,  according  to  all  human  appearance,  we  must 
either  have  this  or  none:  unless  the  prevalence  of 
this  be  in  some  degree  restored,  we  are  likely  not 
only  to  lose  all  the  advantages  which  we  might 
have  derived  from  true  Christianity,  but  to  incur  ail 
the  manifold  evils  which  would  result  from  the  ab- 
sence of  all  religion. 

In  the  first  place,  let  it  be  remarked  that  a  weakly 
principle  of  religion,  (and  even  such  a  one,  in  a 
political  viev.-,  is  productive  of  many  advantages,) 
though  its  existence  may  be  prolonged  if  all  external 
circumstances  favor  its  continuance,  can  hardly  be 
kept  alive  when  the  state  of  things  is  so  unfavorable 
to  vital  religion  as  it  is  in  our  condition  of  society. 
Nor  is  it  merely  the  ordinary  effects  of  a  state  of 
wealth  and  prosperity  to  which  we  here  allude. 
Much  also  may  justly  be  apprehended  from  that 
change  which  has  taken  place  in  our  general  habits 
of  thinking  and  feeling  concerning  the  systems  and 
opinions  of  former  times.  At  a  less  advanced  period 
of  society,  indeed,  the  religion  of  the  state  will  be 
generally  accepted,  though  it  be  not  felt  in  its  vital 
power.  It  was  the  religion  of  our  forefathers:  with 
the  bulk    it  is  on    that    account   entitled  to    reve- 


312  lNQ.riRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF     " 

rence,  and  its  authority  is  admitted  without  question. 
The  establishment  in  which  it  subsists  pleads  the 
same  prescription,  and  obtains  the  same  respect. 
But  in  our  days  things  are  very  differently  cir- 
cumstanced. Not  merely  the  blind  prejudice  in  fa- 
vor of  former  limes,  but  even  the  proper  respect  for 
them,  and  the  reasonable  presumption  in  their  favor, 
has  abated.  Still  less  will  the  idea  be  endured  of 
any  system  beinq-  kept  up,  when  the  imposture  is 
seen  through  by  the  higher  orders,  for  the  sake  of 
retaining  the  common  people  in  subjection.  A  sys- 
tem, if  not  supported  by  a  real  persuasion  of  its 
truth,  will  fall  to  the  ground.  Thus  it  not  unfre- 
quently  happens  that,  in  a  more  advanced  state  of 
society,  a  religious  establishment  must  be  indebted 
for  its  support  to  that  very  religion  which  in  earlier 
limes  it  fostered  and  protected,  as  the  Aveakness  of 
some  aged  mother  is  sustained,  and  her  existence 
lengthened,  by  the  tender  assiduities  of  the  child 
whom  she  had  reared  in  the  helplessness  of  infancy. 
So  in  the  present  instance,  unless  there  be  reinfused 
into  the  mass  of  our  society  something  of  that  prin- 
ciple which  animated  our  ecclesiastical  system  in  its 
earlier  days,  it  is  vain  for  us  to  hope  that  the  es- 
tablishment will  very  long  continue ;  for  the  anomaly 
will  not  much  longer  be  borne,  of  an  establishment, 
the  actual  principles  of  the  bulk  of  whose  members, 
and  even  teachers,  are  so  extremely  different  from 
those  which  it  professes. 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  Sl3 

If  when  the  reign  of  prejudice  and  even  of  honest 
prepossession  and  of  grateful  veneration  is  no  more, 
(for  by  these  almost  any  system  may  generally  be 
supported,  before  a  state,  having  passed  the  period 
of  its  maturity,  is  verging  to  its  decline,)  if  there 
are  any  who  think  that  a  dry,  unanimated  religion, 
like  that  which  is  now  professed  by  nominal  Chris- 
tians, can  hold  its  place,  much  more,  that  it  can  be  re- 
vived among  the  general  mass  of  mankind,  it  may  be 
affirmed,  that,  arguing  merely  on  human  principles, 
Liey  know  little  of  human  nature.  The  kind  of  reli- 
gion which  we  have  recommended,  whatever  opinion 
may  be  entertained  concerning  its  truth,  and  to  say 
nothing  of  the  agency  of  Divine  grace,  must  at  least 
be  conceded  to  be  the  only  one  at  all  suited  to  make 
impression  upon  the  mass  of  the  community,  by 
strongly  interesting  the  passions  of  the  human  mind. 
If  it  be  thought  that  a  system  of  ethics  may  regulate 
the  conduct  of  the  higher  classes,  such  a  one  is  al- 
together unsuitable  to  the  lower,  who  must  be  work- 
ed upon  by  their  affections,  or  they  will  not  be  work- 
ed upon  at  all.  The  ancients  were  wiser  than  our- 
selves, and  never  thought  of  governing  the  communi- 
ty in  general  by  their  lessons  of  philosophy.  These 
lessons  were  confined  to  the  schools  of  the  learned  ; 
while  for  the  million,  a  system  of  religion,  such  as 
it  was,  was  kept  up  as  alone  adapted  to  their  gross- 
er natures.  If  this  reasoning  fail  to  convince,  we 
may  safely  appeal  to  experience  Let  the  Socinian 
27 


314  INQUir.Y    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

and  the  moral  teacher  of  Christianity  come  forth, 
and  tell  us  what  efiects  they  have  produced  on  the 
lower  orders.  They  themselves  will  hardly  deny  the 
inefficacy  of  their  instructions.  But,  blessed  be  God, 
the  religion  which  we  recommend  has  proved  its 
correspondence  with  the  character  originally  given 
of  Christianity,  that  it  was  calculated  for  the  poor; 
by  changing  the  whole  condition  of  the  mass  of  so- 
ciety in  many  of  the  most  populous  districts  in  this 
and  other  countries,  and  by  bringing  them  from 
being  scenes  of  almost  unexampled  wickedness  and 
barbarism,  to  be  eminent  for  sobriety,  decency,  in- 
dustr}^  and,  in  short,  for  whatever  can  render  men 
useful  members  of  civil  society. 

If  indeed,  through  the  blessing  of  Providence,  a 
principle  of  true  religion  should  in  any  considera- 
ble degree  gain  ground,  there  is  no  estimating  the 
effects  on  public  morals,  and  the  consequent  influ- 
ence on  our  political  welfare.  These  effects  are  not 
merely  negative:  though  it  would  be  much,  merely 
to  check  the  farther  progress  of  a  gangrene  which 
is  eating  out  the  very  vital  principles  of  our  social 
and  political  existence.  The  general  standard  of  mo- 
rality formerly  described,  would  be  raised:  it  would 
at  least  be  sustained  and  kept  for  a  while  from  fur- 
ther depression.  The  esteem  which  religious  cha- 
racters would  personally  attract,  would  extend  to  the 
system  which  they  should  hold,  and  to  the  church  of 
which  they  should  be  members.  These  are  all  mere- 


CIir.ISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  215 

ly  natural  consequences.  But  to  those  who  believe 
in  a  superintending  Providence,  it  may  be  added, 
that  the  blessing  of  God  might  be  drawn  down  upon 
our  country,  and  the  strokes  of  his  anger  be  for  a 
while  suspended. 

Let  it  not  be  vainly  imagined,  that  our  state  of 
civilization  must  prevent  moral  degeneracy.  A 
neighboring  nation  has  lately  furnished  a  lamenta- 
ble proof,  that  superior  polish  and  refinement  may 
well  consist  with  a  very  large  measure  of  depravity. 
But  to  appeal  to  a  stiil  more  decisive  instance;  it 
maybe  seen  in  the  history  of  the  latter  years  of  the 
most  celebrated  of  the  pagan  nations,  that  the  high- 
est degrees  of  civilization  and  refinement  are  by  no 
means  inseparable  from  the  most  shocking  depravity 
of  morals.  The  fact  is  certain,  and  the  obvious  in- 
ference with  regard  to  ourselves  cannot  be  denied. 
The  cause  of  this  strange  phenomenon  (such  it 
really  appears  to  our  view,  for  Avhich  the  natural 
corruption  of  man  might  hardly  seem  to  account  suf 
ficiently)  has  been  explained  by  an  inspired  writer. 
Speaking  of  the  most  polished  nations  of  antiquity, 
he  observes :  "  Because  when  they  knew  God,  they 
glorified  him  not  as  God,  and  were  not  solicitous*  to 
retain  him  in  their  knowledge,  he  gave  them  over 
to  a  reprobate  mind."  Let  us  then  beware,  and  take 
warning  from  their  example :  let  us  not  sufl!er  our 

*  Such  seems  to  be  the  just  rendering  of  the  word  which 
our  Testament  translates,  "  did  not  like  to  retain  God  in  their 
Iniovviedge," 


316  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

self-love  to  beguile  us:  let  us  not  vainly  persuade 
ourselves,  that  although  prosperity  and  wealth  may 
have  caused  us  to  relax  a  little  too  much  in  those 
more  serious  duties  which  regard  our  Maker,  yet 
that  we  shall  stop  where  we  are,  or  at  least  that  we 
can  never  sink  into  the  same  state  of  moral  deprava- 
tion. Doubtless  we  should  sink  as  low  if  God  were 
to  give  us  up  also  to  our  own  imaginations.  And 
what  ground  have  we  to  think  he  will  not?  If  we 
would  reason  justly,  we  should  not  compare  our- 
selves with  the  state  of  the  heathen  world  when  at 
its  worst,  but  with  its  state  at  that  period,  when,  for 
its  forgetfulness  of  God,  and  its  ingratitude  towards 
him,  it  was  suffered  to  fall,  till  at  length  it  reached 
that  worst,  its  ultimate  point  of  depression.  The 
heathen  had  only  reason  and  natural  conscience  to 
direct  them  :  we  enjoy,  superadded  to  these,  the 
clear  light  of  gospel  revelation,  and  a  distinct  de- 
claration of  God's  dealings  with  them,  to  be  a  lesson 
for  our  instruction.  How  then  can  we  but  believe 
that  if  we,  enjoying  advantages  so  much  superior  to 
theirs,  are  alike  forgetful  of  our  kind  Benefactor,  we 
also  shall  be  left  to  ourselves  ?  and  if  so  left,  what 
reason  can  be  assigned  why  we  should  not  fall  into 
the  same  enormities  ? 

What  then  is  to  be  done  ?  The  inquiry  is  of  the 
first  importance,  and  the  general  answer  to  it  is  not 
difficult.  The  causes  and  nature  of  the  decay  of  re- 
ligion an^  morals  among  us  sufficiently  indicate  the 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  317 

course  which,  on  principles  of  sound  policy,  it  is 
in  the  highest  degree  expedient  for  us  to  pursue. 
The  distemper  of  which,  as  a  community  we  are 
sick,  should  be  considered  rather  as  a  moral  than 
a  political  malady.  How  much  has  this  been 
forgotten  by  the  disputants  of  modern  times !  and 
accordingly,  how  transient  may  be  expected  to  be 
the  good  effects  of  the  best  of  their  publications  ! 
We  should  endeavor  to  tread  back  our  steps.  Every 
effort  should  be  used  to  raise  the  depressed  tone  of 
public  morals.  This  is  a  duty  particularly  incum- 
bent on  all  who  are  in  the  higher  walks  of  life. 

Every  person  of  rank,  and  fortune,  and  abilities, 
should  endeavor  to  exhibit  a  good  example,  and  to 
recommend  it  to  the  imitation  of  the  circle  in  which 
he  moves.  It  has  been  the  opinion  of  some  well- 
meaning  people,  that  by  giving,  as  far  as  they  pos- 
sibly could  with  innocence,  into  the  customs  and 
practices  of  irreligious  men,  they  might  soften  the 
prejudices  frequently  taken  up  against  religion,  of 
its  being  an  austere,  gloomy  service ;  and  thus  secure 
a  previous  favorable  impression  against  any  time 
when  they  might  have  an  opportunity  of  explaining 
or  enforcing  their  sentiments.  This  is  always  a 
questionable,  and,  it  is  to  be  feared,  a  dangerous  po- 
licy. Many  mischievous  consequences  necessarily 
resulting  from  it  might  easily  be  enumerated.  But 
it  is  a  policy  particularly  unsuitable  to  our  inconsi- 
derate and  dissipated  times,  and  to  the  lengths  at 
27* 


31 S  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

which  we  are  arrived.  \n  these  circumstances,  the 
most  likely  means  of  producing  the  revulsion  which 
is  required,  must  be  boldly  to  proclaim  the  distinc- 
tion between  the  adherents  of  "  God  and  Baal."  The 
expediency  of  this  conduct  in  our  present  situation 
is  confirmed  by  another  consideration.  It  is  this — 
that  when  men  are  aware  that  something  of  difficulty 
is  to  be  effected,  their  spirits  rise  to  the  level  of  the 
encounter ;  they  make  up  their  minds  to  bear  hard- 
ships and  brave  dangers,  and  to  persevere  in  spite  of 
fatigue  and  opposition :  whereas  in  a  matter  which 
is  regarded  as  of  easy  and  ordinary  operation,  they 
are  apt  to  slumber  over  their  work,  and  to  fail,  in 
what  a  small  effort  might  have  been  sufficient  to  ac- 
complish, for  want  of  having  called  up  the  requisite 
degree  of  energy  and  spirit.  Conformably  to  the 
principle  hereby  suggested,  in  the  circumstances  in 
which  we  are  placed,  the  line  of  demarcation  be- 
tween the  friends  and  the  enemies  of  religion  should 
now  be  made  clear ;  the  separation  would  be  broad 
and  obvious.  Let  him,  then,  who  wishes  well  to  his 
country,  no  longer  hesitate  what  course  of  conduct  to 
pursue.  The  question  now  is  not,  in  what  liberties 
he  might  warrantably  indulge  himself  in  another 
situation  ?  but  what  are  the  restraints  on  himself 
which  the  exigencies  of  the  present  times  render  it 
advisable  for  him  to  impose  ?  Circumstanced  as  we 
now  are,  it  is  more  than  ever  obvious  that  the  best 
man  is  the  truest  patriot. 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  319 

Nor  is  it  only  by  their  personal  conduct,  though 
this  mode  will  always  be  the  most  efficacious,  that 
men  of  authority  and  influence  may  promote  the 
cause  of  good  morals.  Let  them  in  their  several  sta- 
tions encourage  virtue  and  discountenance  vice  in 
others.  Let  them  enforce  the  laws  by  which  the  wis- 
dom of  our  forefathers  has  guarded  against  the  gross- 
er infractions  of  morals.  Let  them  favor  and  take 
part  in  any  plans  which  may  be  formed  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  morality.  Above  all  things,  let  them 
endeavor  to  instruct  and  improve  the  rising  genera- 
tion. But  fruitless  will  be  all  attempts  to  sustain, 
much  more  to  revive,  the  fainting  cause  of  morals, 
unless  you  can  restore  the  prevalence  of  evangelical 
Christianity.  It  is  in  morals  as  in  physic,  unless  the 
source  of  practical  principles  be  elevated,  it  will  be 
in  vain  to  attempt  to  make  them  flow  on  a  high  level 
in  their  future  course.  You  may  force  them  for  a 
while  into  some  constrained  position,  but  they  will 
soon  drop  to  their  natural  point  of  depression.  By 
all,  therefore,  who  are  studious  of  their  country's 
welfare,  every  effort  should  be  used  to  revive  the 
Christianity  of  our  better  days.  The  attempt  should 
especially  be  made  in  the  case  of  the  pastors  of  the 
church,  whose  situation  must  render  the  principles 
which  they  hold  a  matter  of  supereminent  impor- 
tance. Wherever  these  teachers  have  steadily  and 
zealously  inculcated  the  true  doctrines  of  the  church 
of  England,  the  happiest  effects  have  commonly  re- 


320  INQUIRY    INTO    THE    STATE    OF 

warded  their  labors.  The  diit^r  of  encouraging  vital 
religion  in  the  church  particularly  devolves  on  all 
who  have  the  disposal  of  ecclesiastical  preferment, 
and  more  especially  on  the  dignitaries  of  the  sacred 
order.  Some  of  these  have  already  sounded  the 
alarm,  justly  censuring  the  practice  of  suffering 
Christianity  to  degenerate  into  a  mere  system  of 
ethics,  and  recommending  more  attention  to  the  pecu- 
liar doctrines  of  our  religion.  In  our  schools,  in 
our  universities,  let  the  study  be  encouraged  of  the 
writings  of  those  venerable  divines  who  flourished 
in  the  purer  times  of  Christianity.  Let  even  a  con- 
siderable proficiency  in  their  writings  be  required  of 
candidates  for  ordination.  Let  our  churches  no  long- 
er witness  that  unseemljr  discordance  which  has 
prevailed  between  the  prayers  and  the  sermon  which 
follows. 

To  all  who  have  at  heart  the  national  welfare,  the 
above  suggestions  are  solemnly  submitted.  They 
have  not  been  urged  without  misgivings  lest  it  should 
appear,  as  though  the  concern  of  eternity  were  melt- 
ed down  into  a  mere  matter  of  temporal  advantage 
or  political  expediency.  But  since  it  has  graciously 
pleased  the  Supreme  Being  so  to  arrange  the  con- 
stitution of  things  as  to  render  the  prevalence  of  true 
religion  and  of  pure  morality  conducive  to  the  well- 
being  of  states  and  the  preservation  of  civil  order, 
and  since  these  subordinate  inducements  are  not  un- 
frequently  held  forth,  even  by  the  sacred  writers,  it 


CHRISTIANITY    IN    THIS    COUNTRY.  321 

seemed  proper  to  suggest  inferior  motives  to  readers 
who  might  be  less  disposed  to  listen  to  considerations 
of  a  higher  order. 

Would  to  God  that  the  course  of  conduct  here 
suggested  might  be  fairly  pursued  !  Would  to  God 
that  the  happy  consequences  which  would  result 
from  the  principles  we  have  recommended  could  be 
realized;  and,  above  all,  that  the  influence  of  true 
religion  could  be  extensively  diff'used !  It  is  the  best 
wish  which  can  be  formed  for  his  country,  by  one 
who  is  deeply  anxious  for  its  welfare : 

Lucem  redde  tuam,  dax  bone,  patria) 
Instar  veris  enim  vultus  ubi  tuns 
Afiulsit  populo,  gratior  it  dies, 
Et  soles  melius  nitent. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO   VARIOUS    DESCRIPTIONS    OP 
PERSONS. 

Thus  have  we  endeavored  to  trace  the  chief  de- 
lects of  the  religious  system  of  the  bulk  of  professed 
Christians  in  this  country.    We  have  pointed  out 


S22  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

their  low  idea  of  tlie  importance  of  Christianity  in 
general,  their  inadequate  conceptions  of  all  its  leading 
doctrines,  and  the  effect  hereby  naturally  produced 
in  relaxing  the  strictness  of  its  practical  system ; 
more  than  all,  we  have  remarked  their  grand  funda- 
mental misconception  of  its  genius  and  essential  na- 
ture. Let  not  therefore  the  difference  between  them 
and  true  believers  be  considered  as  a  minute  differ- 
ence, as  a  question  of  forms  or  opinions.  The  ques- 
tion is  of  the  very  substance  of  religion  ;  the  differ- 
ence is  of  the  most  serious  and  momentous  amount. 
We  must  speak  out.  Their  Christianity  is  not  Chris- 
tianity. It  wants  the  radical  principle.  It  is  mainly 
defective  in  all  the  grand  constituents.  Let  them  no 
longer  then  be  deceived  by  names  in  a  matter  of  in- 
finite importance ;  but  with  humble  prayer  to  the 
Source  of  all  wisdom,  that  he  would  enlighten  their 
understandings  and  clear  their  hearts  from  prejudice, 
let  them  seriously  examine  by  the  Scripture  stand- 
ard their  real  belief  and  allowed  practice,  and  they 
will  become  sensible  of  the  shallowness  of  their  scanty 
system. 

If  through  the  blessing  of  Providence  on  any  thing 
here  written,  there  should  be  any  whom  it  has  dis- 
posed, to  this  important  duty  of  self-inquiry,  let  me 
previously  warn  them  to  be  well  aware  of  our  natu- 
ral proneness  to  think  too  favorably  of  ourselves. 
Selfishness  is  one  of  the  principal  fruits  of  the  cor- 
ruDtion  of  human  nature:  and  it  is  obvious  that  sel- 


VARIOUS     PERSON'S. 


fishness  disposes  us  to  overrate  our  good  qualities, 
and  to  overlook  or  extenuate  our  defects.    The  cor- 
ruption of  human  nature  therefore  being  admitted,  it 
follows  undeniably,  that  in  all  our  reckonings,  if  we 
would  form  a  just  estimate  of  our  character,  we  must 
make  allowance  for  the  effects  of  selfishness.   It  is  also 
another  effect  of  the  corruption  of  human  nature,  to 
cloud  our  moral  sight  and  blunt  our  moral  sensibility. 
Something  must  therefore  be  allowed  for  this  effect 
likewise.   Doubtles^%the  perfect  parity  of  the  Supreme 
Being  makes  him  see  in  us  stains  far  more  in  num- 
ber and  deeper  in  dye  than  we  ourselves  can  discover. 
Nor  should  another  awful  consideration  be  forgotten. 
When  we  look  into  ourselves,  those  sins  only  into 
which  we  have  lately  fallen  are  commonly  apt  to 
excite  any  lively  impression.    Many  individual  acts 
of  vice,  or  a  continued  course  of  vicious  or  dissipated 
conduct,  which,  v^rhen  recent,  may  have  smitten  us 
with  deep  remorse,  after  a  few  months  or  years  leave 
very  faint  traces  in  our  recollection.    But  the  strong 
impressions  which  they  at  first  excited,  not  the  faded 
images  which  they  subsequently  present  to  us,  fur- 
nish the  true  measure  of  their  guilt ;  and  to  the  pure 
eyes  of  God  this  guilt  must  always  have  appeared 
far  greater  than  to  us.    Now  to  the  Supreme  Being 
there  is  no  past  or  future;  as  whatever  will  be,  so 
whatever  has  been,  is  retained  by  him  in  present  and 
unvarying  contemplation,  continuing  always  to  ap- 
pear just  the  same  as  at  the  first  moment  of  its  hap- 


324  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

pening.  Well  may  it  then  humble  us  in  the  sight  of 
that  Being  "  who  is  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold 
iniquity,"  to  call  to  mind  that  unless  our  offences 
have  been  blotted  out  by  our  obtaining  an  interest  in 
the  satisfaction  of  Christ,  through  true  repentance 
and  lively  faith,  we  appear  before  him  clothed  with 
the  sins  of  our  whole  lives,  in  all  their  original  depth 
of  coloring,  and  with  all  the  aggravations  which  we 
no  longer  particularly  remember,  but  which,  in  gen- 
eral, we  perhaps  may  recollect  to  have  once  filled 
us  with  shame  and  confusion  of  face.  The  writer  is 
the  rather  desirous  of  enforcing  this  reflection,  be- 
cause he  can  truly  declare  that  he  has  found  no 
consideration  so  efficacious  in  producing  in  his  own 
mind  the  deepest  self-abasement. 

In  treating  of  the  sources  ofthe  erroneous  estimates 
which  we  form  of  our  religious  and  moral  character, 
it  may  not,  perhaps,  be  without  its  uses  to  take  this 
occasion  of  pointing  out  some  other  common  springs 
of  self-deception.  Many  persons,  as  was  formerly 
hinted,  are  misled  by  the  favorable  opinions  enter* 
tained  of  them  by  others ;  many,  it  is  to  be  feared, 
mistake  a  hot  zeal  for  orthodoxy,  for  a  cordial  ac- 
ceptance of  the  great  truths  of  the  Gospel ;  and  al- 
most all  of  us,  at  one  time  or  other,  are  more  or  less 
misled  by  confounding  the  suggestions  of  the  under- 
standing with  the  impulses  of  the  will,  the  assent 
which  our  judgment  gives  to  religious  and  moral 
truths  with  a  hearty  belief  and  approbation  of  them. 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  325 

There  is  another  frequent  source  of  seU'-deception, 
productive  of  so  much  mischief  in  life  that  it  would 
be  highly  improper  to  omit  the  mention  of  it  in  this 
place.  That  we  may  be  the  better  understood,  it  may 
be  proper  to  premise  that  certain  particular  vices, 
and  likewise  that  certain  particular  good  and  amia- 
ble qualities,  seem  naturally  to  belong  to  certain  par- 
ticular periods  and  conditions  of  life.  Now,  if  we 
would  reason  fairly  in  estimating  our  moral  charac- 
ter, we  ought  to  examine  ourselves  with  reference 
to  that  particular  "  sin  which  does  most  easily  beset 
us,"  not  to  some  other  sin  to  which  we  are  not  so 
much  liable.  And  in  like  manner,  on  the  other  hand, 
we  ought  not  to  account  it  matter  of  self-complacen- 
cy if  we  find  in  ourselves  that  good  and  amiable 
quality  which  naturally  belongs  to  our  period  or 
condition  ;  but  rather  look  for  some  less  ambiguous 
sign  of  a  real  internal  principle  of  virtue.  But  we 
are  very  apt  to  reverse  these  lules  of  judging :  we 
are  very  apt,  on  the  one  hand,  both  in  ourselves  and 
in  others,  to  excuse  *'  the  besetting  sin,"  taking  and 
giving  credit  for  being  exempt  from  others,  to  which 
we  or  they  are  less  liable  ;  and  on  the  other  hand,  to 
value  ourselves  extremely  on  our  possession  of  the 
good  or  amiable  quality  which  naturally  belongs  to 
us,  and  to  require  no  more  satisfactory  evidence  of 
the  sufficiency  at  least  of  our  moral  character.  The 
bad  effects  of  this  partiality  are  aggravated  by  the 
practice,  to  which  we  are  sadly  prone,  of  being  con- 
28 


326  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

tented,  when  we  take  a  hasty  view  of  ourselves,  with 
negative  evidences  of  our  state ;  thinking  it  very  well 
if  we  are  not  shocked  by  some  great  actual  trans- 
gression, instead  of  looking  for  the  positive  signs  of 
a  true  Ch*-istian,  as  laid  down  in  the  holy  Scripture. 

But  the  «;ource  of  self-deception,  which  it  is  more 
particularly  our  present  object  to  point  out,  is  a  dis- 
position to  consider  as  a  conquest  of  any  particular 
vice,  our  merely  forsaking  it  on  our  quitting  the  pe- 
riod or  condition  of  life  to  which  that  vice  belongs, 
when  perhaps  also  we  substitute  for  it  the  vice  of 
the  new  period  or  condition  on  which  we  are  enter- 
ing. We  thus  mistake  merely  outgrowing  our  vices, 
or  relinquishing  them  from  some  change  in  our 
worldly  circumstances,  for  a  thorough,  or  at  least  for 
a  sufficient  reformation. 

But  this  topic  deserves  to  be  viewed  a  little  more 
closely.  Young  people  may,  without  much  offence, 
be  inconsiderate  and  dissipated ;  the  youth  of  one  sex 
may  indulge  occasionally  in  licentious  excesses;  those 
of  the  other  may  be  supremely  given  up  to  vanity 
and  pleasure :  yet,  provided  that  they  are  sweet  tem- 
pered, and  open,  and  not  disobedient  to  their  parents 
or  other  superiors,  the  former  are  deemed  good 
hearted  young  men,  the  latter,  innocent  young  wo- 
men. Those  who  love  them  best  have  no  solicitude 
about  their  spiritual  interests :  ajid  it  would  be  deem- 
ed strangely  sirict  in  themselves,  or  in  others,  to 
aoubt  of  their  becoming  more  religious  as  they  ad 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  327 

vance  in  life ;  to  speak  of  them  as  being  actually  un- 
der the  Divine  displeasure ;  or,  if  their  lives  should 
be  in  danger,  to  entertain  any  apprehensions  con- 
cerning their  future  destiny. 

They  grow  older,  and  marry.  The  same  licen- 
tiousness which  was  formerly  considered  in  young 
men  as  a  venial  frailty,  is  now  no  longer  regarded 
in  the  husband  and  the  father  as  compatible  with  the 
character  of  a  decently  religious  man.  The  language 
is  of  this  sort ;  "  they  have  sown  their  wild  oats,  they 
must  now  reform,  and  be  regular."  Nor  perhaps  is 
the  same  manifest  predominance  of  vanity  and  dissi- 
pation deemed  innocent  in  the  matron :  but  if  they 
are  kind  respectively  in  their  conjugal  and  parental 
relations,  and  are  tolerably  regular  and  decent,  they 
pass  for  mighty  good  sort  of  people  ;  and  it  would  be 
altogether  unnecessary  scrupulosity  in  them  to  doubt 
of  their  coming  up  to  the  requisitions  of  the  Divine 
law,  as  far  as  in  the  present  state  of  the  world  can  be 
expected  from  human  frailty.  Their  hearts,  how- 
ever, are  no  more  than  before  supremely  set  on  the 
great  work  of  their  salvation,  but  are  chiefly  bent  on 
increasing  their  fortunes  or  raising  their  families. 
Meanwhile  they  congratulate  themselves  on  having 
amended  from  vices  they  are  no  longer  strongly 
tempted  to  commit,  or  abstaining  from  which  ought 
not  to  be  assumed  as  a  test  of  the  strength  of  the  re- 
ligious principle,  since  the  commission  of  them 
would  prejudice  their  characters,  and  perhaps  injure 
their  fortune  in  life. 


328  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

Old  age  has  at  length  made  its  advances.  Now, 
if  ever,  we  might  expect  that  it  would  be  deemed 
high  time  to  make  eternal  things  the  main  object 
of  attention.  No  such  thing  !  There  is  still  an  ap- 
propriate good  quality,  the  presence  of  which  calms 
the  disquietude  and  satisfies  the  requisitions  both  of 
themselves  and  of  those  around  them.  It  is  now  re- 
quired of  them  that  they  should  be  good  natured  and 
cheerful,  indulgent  to  the  frailties  and  follies  of  the 
young  ;  remembering  that  when  young  themselves 
the)'-  gave  in  to  the  same  practices.  How  opposite 
this  to  that  dread  of  sin  which  is  the  sure  characte- 
ristic of  the  true  Christian !  which  causes  him  to  look 
back  upon  the  vices  of  his  own  youthful  days  with 
shame  and  sorrow,  and  which,  instead  of  conceding 
to  young  people  to  he  wild  and  thoughtless,  as  a  pri- 
vilege belonging  to  their  age  and  circumstances, 
prompts  him  to  warn  them  against  what  has  proved 
to  himself  matter  of  such  bitter  retrospection  !  Thus, 
throughout  the  whole  of  life  some  means  or  other 
are  devised  for  stifling  the  voice  of  conscience.  "  We 
cry  peace,  while  there  is  no  peace  ;"  and  both  to  our- 
selves and  others  that  complacency  is  furnished 
which  ought  only  to  proceed  from  a  consciousness 
of  being  reconciled  to  God,  and  a  humble  hope  of 
our  possessing  his  favor. 

These  sentiments  will  be  termed  uncharitable; 
but  we  must  not  be  deterred  by  such  an  imputation. 
It  is  time  to  have  done  with  that  senseless  cant  of 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  829 

charity,  which  insults  the  understandings  and  trifles 
with  the  feelings  of  those  who  are  really  concerned 
for  the  happiness  of  their  fellow-creatures.  What 
matter  of  keen  remorse  and  of  bitter  self-reproaches 
are  they  storing  up  for  their  future  torment,  who  are 
themselves  its  miserable  dupes  ;  or  who,  being  charg- 
ed with  the  office  of  watching  over  the  eternal  inte- 
rests of  their  children  or  relations,  suffer  themselves 
to  be  lulled  asleep,  or  beguiled  by  such  shallow  rea- 
sonings into  sparing  themselves  the  momentary  pain 
of  executing  their  important  duty!  Charity,  indeed, 
is  partial  to  the  object  of  her  regard ;  and  where  ac- 
tions are  of  a  doubtful  quality,  this  partiality  disposes 
her  to  refer  them  to  a  good,  rather  than  to  a  bad  mo- 
tive. She  is  apt  also  somewhat  to  exaggerate  merits, 
and  to  see  amiable  qualities  in  a  light  more  favora- 
ble than  that  which  strictly  belongs  to  them.  But 
true  charity  is  wakeful,  fervent,  full  of  solicitude, 
full  of  good  offices,  not  so  easily  satisfied,  not  so 
ready  to  believe  that  every  thing  is  going  on  well 
as  a  matter  of  course  ;  but  jealous  of  mischief,  apt  to 
suspect  danger,  and  prompt  to  extend  relief  These 
are  the  symptoms  by  which  genuine  regard  will 
manifest  itself  in  a  wife  or  a  mother,  in  the  case  of 
the  bodily  health  of  the  object  of  her  affections.  And 
where  there  is  any  real  concern  for  the  spiritual  in- 
terests of  others,  it  is  characterized  by  the  same  in- 
fallible marks.  That  wretched  quality,  by  which  the 
sacred  name  of  charity  is  now  so  generally  and  so 
28* 


330  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

falsely  usurped,  is  no  other  than  indifference  ;  which, 
against  the  plainest  evidence,  or  at  least  where  there 
is  strong-  ground  of  apprehension,  is  easily  contented 
to  believe  that  all  goes  well,  because  it  has  no  anxie- 
ties to  allay,  no  fears  to  repress.  It  undergoes  no  al- 
ternation of  passions ;  it  is  not  at  one  time  flushed 
with  hope,  nor  at  another  chilled  by  disappointment. 
To  a  considerate  and  feeling  mind  there  is  some- 
thing deeply  afflicting  in  seeing  the  engaging  cheer- 
fulness and  cloudless  gayety  incident  to  youth  wel- 
comed as  a  sufficient  indication  of  internal  purity  by 
the  delighted  parents ;  who,  knowing  the  deceitful- 
ness  of  these  flattering  appearances,  should  eagerly 
avail  themselves  of  this  period,  when  once  wasted 
never  to  be  regained,  of  good  humored  acquiescence 
and  dutiful  docility  :  a  period  when  the  soft  and  duc- 
tile temper  of  the  mind  renders  it  more  easily  sus- 
ceptible of  the  impressions  we  desire ;  and  when, 
therefore,  habits  should  be  formed  which  may  assist 
our  natural  weakness  to  resist  the  temptations  to 
which  we  shall  be  exposed  in  the  commerce  of  ma- 
turer  life.  This  is  more  especially  affecting  in  the 
female  sex,  because  that  sex  seems  to  be  more  favora- 
bly disposed  than  ours  to  the  feelings  and  offices  of 
religion ;  being  thus  fitted  by  the  bounty  of  Provi- 
dence, the  better  to  execute  the  important  task  which 
devolves  on  it,  of  the  education  of  cur  earliest  youth. 
Doubtless,  this  more  favorable  disposition  to  religion 
in  the  female  sex,  was  graciously  designed  also  to 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  331 

make  women  donbly  valuable  in  the  wedded  state: 
and  it  seems  to  niTord  to  the  married  man  the  means 
of  rendering  an  active  share  in  the  business  of  life 
more  compatible  than  it  would  otherwise  be  with 
the  liveliest  devotional  feelings;  that  when  the  hus- 
band should  return  to  his  family,  worn  and  harassed 
by  worldly  cares  or  professional  labors,  the  wife,  ha- 
bitually preserving  a  warmer  and  more  unimpaired 
spirit  of  devotion  than  is  perhaps  consistent  with 
being  immersed  in  the  bustle  of  life,  might  revive  his 
languid  piety,  and  that  the  religious  impressions  ot 
both  might  derive  new  force  and  tenderness  from  the 
animating  sympathies  of  conjugal  affection.  Can  a 
more  pleasing  image  be  presented  to  a  considerate 
mind,  than  that  of  a  couple,  happy  in  each  other  and 
in  the  pledges  of  their  mutual  love,  uniting  in  an  act 
of  grateful  adoration  to  the  Author  of  all  their  mer- 
cies: recommending  each  other,  and  the  objects  of 
their  common  care,  to  the  Divine  protection ;  and 
repressing  the  solicitude  of  conjugal  and  parental 
tenderness  by  a  confiding  hope,  that  through  all  the 
changes  of  this  uncertain  life,  the  Disposer  of  all 
things  will  assuredly  cause  all  to  work  together  for 
the  good  of  them  that  love  and  put  their  trust  in  him ; 
and  that  after  this  uncertain  state  shall  have  passed 
away,  they  shall  be  admitted  to  a  joint  participation 
of  never-ending  happiness.  It  is  surely  no  mean  or 
ignoble  office  which  we  would  allot  to  the  female 
sex,  when  we  would  thus  commit  to  them  the  charge 


332  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

of  maintaining  m  lively  exercise  whatever  emotions 
most  dignify  and  adorn  human  nature;  when  we 
would  make  them  as  it  were  the  medium  of  our  in- 
tercourse with  the  heavenly  world,  the  faithful  repo- 
sitories of  the  religious  principle  for  the  benefit  both 
of  the  present  and  of  the  rising  generation.  Must  it 
not  then  excite  our  grief  and  indignation,  when  we 
behold  mothers  forgetful  at  once  of  their  own  pecu- 
liar duties,  and  of  the  high  office  which  Providence 
designed  their  daughters  to  fulfill ;  exciting  instead 
of  endeavoring  to  moderate  in  them  the  natural  san- 
guineness  and  inconsiderateness  of  youth;  hurrying 
them  night  after  night  to  the  resorts  of  dissipation : 
thus  teaching  them  to  despise  the  common  comforts 
of  the  family  circle;  and,  instead  of  striving  to  raise 
their  views,  and  to  direct  their  afl^ections  to  their  true 
object,  acting  as  if  with  the  express  design  studiously 
to  extinguish  every  spark  of  a  devotional  spirit,  and 
to  kindle  in  its  stead  an  excessive  love  of  pleasure, 
and  perhaps  a  principle  of  extravagant  vanity  and 
ardent  emulation ! 

Innocent  young  women  !  Good  hearted  young 
men !  Wherein  does  this  goodness  of  heart  and  this 
innocence  appear  ?  Remember  that  we  are  fallen 
creatures,  born  in  sin,  and  naturally  depraved. 
Christianity  recognizes  no  innocence  or  goodness  of 
heart  but  in  the  remission  of  sin,  and  in  the  effects 
of  the  operation  of  divine  grace.  Do  we  find  in  these 
young  persons  the  characters  which  the.holy  Scrip- 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  333 

tures  lay  down  as  the  only  satisfactory  evidences  of 
a  safe  state  ?  Do  we  not,  on  the  other  hand,  discover 
the  specified  marks  of  a  state  of  alienation  from 
God  ?  Can  the  blindest  partiality  persuade  itself  that 
they  ?iTQ  loving,  or  striving  "to  love  God  with  all 
their  hearts,  and  minds,  and  souls,  and  strength  ?" 
Are  they  "  seeking  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and 
his  righteousness  ?"  Are  they  "  working  out  their 
salvation  with  fear  and  trembling?"  Are  they 
"  clothed  with  humility  ?"  Are  they  not,  on  the  con- 
trary, supremely  given  up  to  self-indulgence  ?  Are 
they  not  at  least  "  lovers  of  pleasure  more  than  lovers 
of  God  ?"  Are  the  offices  of  religion  their  solace  or 
their  task  ?  Do  they  not  come  to  these  sacred  ser- 
vices with  reluctance,  continue  in  them  by  constraint, 
and  quit  them  with  gladness  ?  And  of  how  many  of 
these  persons  may  it  not  be  affirmed  in  the  spirit  of 
the  prophet's  language  :  "  The  harp  and  the  viol,  the 
tabret,  and  pipe,  and  wine,  are  in  their  feasts ;  but 
they  regard  not  the  work  of  the  Lord,  neither  con- 
sider the  operation  of  his  hands  ?"  Are  not  the  youth 
of  one  sex  often  actually  committing,  and  still  more 
often  wishing  for  the  opportunity  to  commit  those 
sins  of  which  the  Scripture  says  expressly,  *'  that 
they  which  do  such  things  shall  not  inherit  the 
kingdom  of  God?"  Are  not  the  youth  of  the  other 
mainly  intent  on  the  gratification  of  vanity ;  and 
looking  for  their  chief  happiness  to  the  resorts  of 
gayety  and  fashion,  to  all  the  multiplied  pleasures 


334  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

which  public  places,  or  the  still  higher  gratifications 
of  more  refined  circles  can  supply? 

And  then,  when  the  first  ebullitions  of  youthful 
warmth  are  over,  what  is  their  boasted  reformation  ? 
They  may  be  decent,  sober,  useful,  respectable,  as 
members  of  the  community,  or  amiable  in  the  rela- 
tions of  domestic  life.  But  is  this  the  change  of 
which  the  Scripture  speaks  ?  Hear  the  expressions 
which  it  uses,  and  judge  for  yourselves — "  Except  a 
man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  enter  into  the  king- 
dom of  God."  "  The  old  man — is  corrupt  according 
to  the  deceitful  lusts;"  an  expression  but  too  de- 
scriptive of  the  vain  delirium  of  youthful  dissipation, 
and  of  the  false  dreams  of  pleasure  which  it  in- 
spires ;  but  "  the  new  man"  is  awakened  from  this 
fallacious  estimate  of  happiness;  "he  is  renewed  in 
knowledge  after  the  image  of  Him  that  created  him" 
— "  He  is  created  after  God  in  righteousness  and 
true  holiness."  The  persons  of  whom  we  are  speak- 
ing are  no  longer,  indeed,  so  thoughtless,  and  wild, 
and  dissipated  as  formerly ;  so  negligent  in  their  at- 
tention to  objects  of  real  value ;  so  eager  in  the  pur- 
suit of  pleasure ;  so  prone  to  yield  to  the  impulse  of 
appetite.  But  this  is  no  more  than  the  change  of 
which  a  writer  of  no  very  strict  cast  speaks,  as  na- 
turally belonging  to  their  riper  age: 

Conversis  sludiis,  aetas,  animusque  virilis 
Cluserit  opes,  et  amicitias :  inservit  honori: 
Commisisse  cavet,  quod  mox  mutare  laboret.     HoR. 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  335 

This  is  a  point  of  infinite  importance ;  let  it  not 
be  thought  tedious  to  spend  even  yet  a  few  more 
moments  in  the  discussion  of  it.  Put  the  question  to 
another  issue,  and  try  it  by  appealing  to  the  princi- 
ple of  life  being  a  state  of  probation  ;  a  proposition, 
indeed,  true,  in  a  certain  sense,  though  not  exactly 
in  that  which  is  sometimes  assigned  to  it ;  and  you 
will  still  be  led  to  no  very  different  conclusion.  Pro- 
bation implies  resisting,  in  obedience  to  the  dictates  of 
religion,  appetites  which  we  are  naturally  prompted  to 
gratify.  Young  people  are  not  tempted  to  be  churlish, 
interested,  covetous  ;  but  to  be  inconsiderate  and  dissi- 
pated, "  lovers  of  pleasure  more  than  lovers  of  God." 
People  in  middle  age  are  not  so  strongly  tempted  to  be 
thoughtless,  and  idle,  and  licentious.  From  excesses  of 
this  sort  they  are  sufficiently  withheld,  particularly 
when  happily  settled  in  domestic  life,  by  a  regard  to 
their  characters,  by  the  restraints  of  family  connec- 
tions, and  by  a  sense  of  what  is  due  to  the  decencies  of 
the  married  state.  Their  probation  is  of  another 
sort;  they  are  tempted  to  be  supremely  engrossed 
by  worldly  cares,  by  family  interests,  by  professional 
objects,  by  the  pursuit  of  wealth  or  of  ambition.  Thus 
occupied,  they  are  tempted  to  "  mind  earthly  rather 
than  heavenly  things,"  forgetting  "  the  one  thing 
needful ;"  to  "  set  their  affections  "  on  temporal  ra- 
ther than  eternal  concerns,  and  to  take  up  with  "a 
form  of  godliness,"  instead  of  seeking  to  experience 
the  power  thereof:  the  foundations  of  this  nominal 


S36  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

religion  being  laid,  as  was  formerly  explained  more 
at  large,  in  the  forgetfulness,  if  not  in  the  ignorance 
of  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  Christianity.  These  are 
the  ready-made  Christians  formerly  spoken  of,  who 
consider  Christianity  as  a  geographical  term,  proper- 
ly applicable  to  all  those  who  have  been  born  and 
educated  in  a  country  wherein  Christianity  is  pro- 
fessed; not  as  indicating  a  renewed  nature,  as  ex- 
pressive of  a  peculiar  character,  with  its  appropriate 
desires  and  aversions,  and  hopes,  and  fears,  and  joys, 
and  sorrows.  To  people  of  this  description,  the  so- 
lemn admonition  of  Christ  is  addressed  :  "  I  know 
thy  works ;  that  thou  hast  a  name  that  thou  livest, 
and  art  dead.  Be  watchful,  and  strengthen  the  things 
which  remain  that  are  ready  to  die :  for  I  have  not 
found  thy  works  perfect  before  God." 

If  there  be  any  one  who  is  inclined  to  listen  to  this 
solemn  warning,  who  is  awakened  from  his  dream 
of  false  security,  and  is  disposed  to  be  not  only  al- 
most but  altogether  a  Christian — O !  let  him  not 
stifle  or  dissipate  these  beginnings  of  seriousness, 
but  sedulously  cherish  them  as  the  "  workings  of  the 
Divine  Spirit,"  which  would  draw  him  from  the 
•'  broad  "  and  crowded  "  road  of  destruction,  into  the 
narrow "  and  thinly  peopled  path  "  that  leadeth  to 
life."  Let  him  retire  from  the  multitude — let  him 
enter  into  his  closet,  and  on  his  bended  knees  im- 
plore, for  Christ's  sake,  and  in  reliance  on  his  media- 
tion, that  God  would  "  take  away  from  him  the  heart 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  337 

of  Stone,  and  give  him  a  heart  of  flesh ;  that  the 
Father  of  light  would  open  his  eyes  to  his  true  con- 
dition, and  clear  his  heart  from  the  clouds  of  preju- 
dice, and  dissipate  the  deceitful  medium  of  self-love. 
Then  let  him  carefully  examine  his  past  life,  and  his 
present  course  of  conduct,  comparing  himself  with 
God's  word,  and  considering  how  any  one  might 
reasonably  have  been  expected  to  conduct  himself 
to  whom  the  holy  Scriptures  had  been  always  open, 
and  who  had  been  used  to  acknowledge  them  to  be 
the  revelation  of  the  will  of  his  Creator,  and  Go- 
vernor, and  Supreme  Benefactor ;  let  him  there  pe- 
ruse the  awful  denunciations  against  impenitent  sin- 
ners ;  let  him  labor  to  become  more  and  more  deeply 
impressed  with  a  sense  of  his  own  radical  blindness 
and  corruption  ;  above  all,  let  him  steadily  contem- 
plate, in  all  its  bearings  and  connections,  that  stupen- 
dous truth,  the  incarnation  and  crucifixion  of  the  only 
begotten  Son  of  God,  and  the  message  of  mercy  pro- 
claimed from  the  cross  to  repenting  sinners.  "  Be 
ye  reconciled  unto  God."  "  Believe  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved." 

When  he  fairly  estimates  the  guilt  of  sin  by  the 
costly  satisfaction  which  was  required  to  atone  for  it, 
and  the  worth  of  his  soul  by  the  price  which  was 
paid  for  its  redemption,  and  contrasts  both  of  these 
with  his  own  sottish  inconsiderateness  ;  when  he  re- 
flects on  the  amazing  love  and  pity  of  Christ,  and  on 
the  cold  and  formal  acknowledgments  with  which  he 
29 


338  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

has  hitherto  returned  this  infinite  obligation,  making 
light  of  the  precious  blood  of  the  Son  of  God,  and 
trifling  with  the  gracious  invitations  of  his  Redeem- 
er ;  surely,  if  he  be  not  lost  to  sensibility,  mixed  emo- 
tions of  guilt,  and  fear,^nd  sharr.e,  and  remorse,  and 
sorrow  nearly  overwhelm  his  soul ;  he  will  smite 
upon  his  breast,  and  cry  out  in  the  language  of  the 
publican,  "  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner."  But, 
blessed  be  God,  such  an  one  needs  not  despair:  it 
is  to  persons  in  this  very  situation,  and  with  these 
very  feelings,  that  the  offers  of  the  Gospel  are  held 
forth,  and  its  promises  assured  ;  "  to  the  weary  and 
heavy  laden  "  under  the  burden  of  their  sins  ;  to  those 
who  thirst  for  the  water  of  life ;  to  those  who  feel 
themselves  "tied  and  bound  by  the  chain  of  their 
sins ;"  who  abhor  their  captivity,  and  long  earnestly 
for  deliverance.  Happy,  happy  souls  !  whom  the 
grace  of  God  has  visited,  ''  has  brought  out  of  dark- 
ness into  his  marvellous  light,"  and  "from  the  power 
of  Satan  unto  God."  Cast  yourselves  then  on  his  un- 
deserved mercy;  he  is  full  of  love,  and  will  not 
spurn  you  :  surrender  yourselves  into  his  hands,  and 
solemnly  resolve,  through  his  grace,  to  dedicate 
henceforth  all  your  faculties  and  powers  to  his  service. 
It  is  yours  now  "  to  work  out  your  own  salvation 
with  fear  and  trembling,"  relying  on  the  fidelity  of 
Him  who  has  promised  to  "work  in  you  both  to 
will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure."  Ever  look  to 
him  for  help :  your  own  safety  consists  in  a  deep  and 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  339 

abiding  sense  of  your  own  weakness,  and  in  a  firm 
reliance  on  his  strength.  If  you  "  give  all  diligence," 
his  power  is  armed  for  your  protection,  his  truth  is 
pledged  for  your  security.  You  are  enlisted  under 
the  banner  of  Christ — fear  not,  though  the  world, 
and  the  flesh,  and  the  devil  are  set  in  array  against 
you.  "  Faithful  is  he  that  hath  promised ;"  "  be  ye 
also  faithful  unto  death,  and  he  will  give  you  a  crown 
of  life."  "  He  that  endureth  to  the  end,  the  same 
shall  be  saved."  In  such  a  world  as  this,  in  such  a 
state  of  society  as  ours,  especially  if  in  the  higher 
walks  of  life,  you  must  be  prepared  to  meet  with 
many  difficulties :  arm  yourselves,  therefore,  in  the 
first  place,  with  a  determined  resolution  not  to  rate 
human  estimation  beyond  its  true  value ;  not  to  dread 
the  charge  of  particularity,  when  it  shall  be  necessa- 
ry to  incur  it;  but,  as  was  before  recommended,  let 
it  be  your  constant  endeavor  to  retain  before  your 
mental  eye  that  bright  assemblage  of  invisible  spec- 
tators who  are  the  witnesses  of  your  daily  conduct, 
and  "  to  seek  that  honor  which  cometh  from  God." 
You  cannot  advance  a  single  step  till  you  are  in 
some  good  measure  prepossessed  of  this  comparative 
indifference  to  the  favor  of  men.  We  have  before 
explained  ourselves  too  clearly  to  render  it  necessa- 
ry to  declare  that  no  one  should  needlessly  affect 
singularity ;  but  to  aim  at  incompatible  advantages, 
to  seek  to  please  God  and  the  world,  where  their 
commands  are  really  at  variance,  is  the  way  to  be 


340  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

neither  respectable,  nor  good,  nor  happy.  Continue 
to  be  ever  aware  of  your  own  radical  corruption  and 
habitual  weakness.  Indeed,  if  your  eyes  are  really 
opened,  and  your  heart  truly  softened,  "  hungering 
and  thirsting  after  righteousness,"  rising  in  your 
ideas  of  true  holiness,  and  proving  the  genuineness 
of  your  hope  by  desiring  "  to  purify  yourself  even  as 
God  is  pure :"  you  will  become  daily  more  and 
more  sensible  of  your  own  defects,  and  wants,  and 
weaknesses;  and  more  and  more  impressed  by  a 
sense  of  the  mercy  and  long-suffering  of  that  gra- 
cious Savior,  "  who  forgiveth  all  your  sins,  and  heal- 
eth  all  your  infirmities." 

This  is  the  solution  of  what  to  a  man  of  the  world 
might  seem  a  strange  paradox,  that  in  proportion  as 
the  Christian  grows  in  grace,  he  grows  also  in  humi- 
lity. Humility  is  indeed  the  vital  principle  of  Chris- 
tianity ;  that  principle  by  which  from  first  to  last  she 
lives  and  thrives,  and  in  proportion  to  the  growth  or 
decline  of  which  she  must  decay  or  flourish.  This 
first  disposes  the  sinner  in  deep  self-abasement  to  ac- 
cept the  offers  of  the  Gospel ;  this,  during  his  whole 
progress,  is  the  very  ground  and  basis  of  his  feel- 
ings and  conduct,  both  in  relation  to  God,  his  fellow- 
creatures,  and  himself;  and  when  at  length  he  shall 
be  translated  into  the  realms  of  glory,  this  principle 
shall  still  subsist  in  undiminished  force;  he  shall 
•'  fall  down,  and  cast  his  crown  before  the  Lamb ; 
and  ascribe   blessing,  and   honor,  and  glory  and 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  341 

power  to  Him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  to  the 
Lamb,  for  ever  and  ever."    The  practical  benefits  of 
this  habitual  lowliness  of  spirit  are  too  numerous, 
and  at  the  same  time  too  obvious,  to  require  enume- 
ration.   It  will  lead  you  to  dread  the  beginnings,  and 
fly  from  the  occasions  of  sin ;  as  that  man  would 
shun  some  infectious  distemper  who  should  know 
that  he  was  predisposed  to  take  the  contagion.   It  will 
prevent  a  thousand  difficulties,  and  decide  a  thousand 
questions  concerning  worldly  compliances,  by  which 
those  persons  are  apt  to  be  embarrassed  who  are 
not  duly  sensible  of  their  own  exceeding  frailty, 
whose  views  of  the  christian  character  are  not  suffi- 
ciently elevated,  and  who  are  not  enough  possessed 
with  a  continual  fear  of  "  grieving  the  Holy  Spirit 
of  God,"  and  of  thus  provoking  him  to  withdraw  his 
gracious  influence.    But  if  you  are  really  such  as 
we  have  been  describing,  you  need  not  be  urged  to 
set  the  standard  of  practice  high,  and  to  strive  after 
universal  holiness.    It  is  the  desire  of  your  hearts  to 
act  in  all  things  with  a  single  eye  to  the  favor  of 
God,  and  thus  the  most  ordinary  actions  of  life  are 
raised  into  offices  of  religion.    This  is  the  purifying, 
the  transmuting  principle,  which  realizes  the  fabled 
touch  which  changes  all  to  gold.    But  it  belongs  to 
this  desire  of  pleasing  God  that  we  should  be  con- 
tinually solicitous  to  discover  the  path  of  duty ;  that 
we  should  not  indolently  wait,  satisfied  with  not  re- 
fusing occasions  of  glorifying  God  when  they  are 
29* 


342  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

forced  upon  us  ;  but  that  we  should  pray  to  God  for 
wisdom  and  spiritual  understanding,  that  we  may  be 
acute  in  discerning  opportunities  of  serving  him  in 
the  world,  and  judicious  in  selecting  and  wise  in  im- 
proving them.  Guard  indeed  against  the  distraction 
of  worldly  cares ;  and  cultivate  heavenly  mindedness 
and  a  spirit  of  continual  prayer,  and  neglect  not  to 
watch  incessantly  over  the  workings  of  your  deceit- 
ful heart ;  but  be  active  also,  and  useful.  Let  not 
your  precious  time  be  wasted  "  in  shapeless  idle- 
ness :"  an  admonition  which,  in  our  days,  is  rendered 
but  too  necessary  by  the  relaxed  habits  of  persons 
even  of  real  piety ;  but  wisely  husband  and  improve 
this  fleeting  treasure.  Never  be  satisfied  with  your 
present  attainments ;  but  "  forgetting  the  things  which 
are  behind,"  labor  still  to  "press  forward"  with  un- 
diminished energy,  and  to  run  the  race  that  is  set 
before  you  without  flagging  in  your  course. 

Above  all,  measure  your  progress  by  your  im- 
provement in  love  to  God  and  man.  ''  God  is  love." 
This  is  the  sacred  principle  which  warms  and  en- 
lightens the  heavenly  world,  that  blessed  seat  of 
God's  visible  presence.  There  it  shmes  with  un- 
clouded radiance.  Some  scattered  beams  are  gra- 
ciously lent  to  us  on  earth,  or  we  had  been  benighted 
and  lost  in  darkness  and  misery ;  but  a  larger  por- 
tion of  it  is  infused  into  the  hearts  of  the  servants  of 
God,  who  thus  "  are  renewed  in  the  Divine  like- 
ness"  and  even  here  exhibit  some  faint  traces  of  the 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  343 

image  of  their  heavenly  Father.  It  is  the  principle 
of  love  which  disposes  them  to  yield  themselves  up 
without  reserve  to  the  service  of  him  "  who  has 
bought  them  with  the  price  of  his  own  blood." 

Servile,  and  base,  and  mercenary  is  the  notion  of 
Christian  practice  among  the  bulk  of  nominal  Chris- 
tians. They  give  no  more  than  they  dare  not  with- 
hold ;  they  abstain  from  nothing  but  what  they  must 
not  practice.  In  short,  they  know  Christianity  only 
as  a  system  of  restraints.  She  is  despoiled  of  every 
liberal  and  generous  principle :  she  is  rendered  al- 
most unfit  for  the  social  intercourses  of  life.  But 
true  Christians  consider  themselves  not  as  satisfying 
some  rigorous  creditor,  but  as  discharging  a  debt  of 
gratitude.  Theirs  is  accordingly  not  the  stinted  re- 
turn of  a  constrained  obedience,  but  the  large  and 
liberal  measure  of  a  voluntary  service.  This  prin 
ciple,  therefore,  as  was  formerly  remarked,  and  as 
has  been  recently  observed  of  true  Christian  hu- 
mility, prevents  a  thousand  practical  embarrass- 
ments by  which  they  are  continually  harassed  who 
act  from  a  less  generous  motive,  and  who  require  it 
to  be  clearly  ascertained  to  them  that  any  gratification 
or  worldly  compliance  which  may  be  in  question,  is 
beyond  the  allowed  boundary  line  of  Christian  prac- 
tice.*   This  principle  regulates  the  true  Christian's 

*  Neither  will  I  offer  burnt-offerings  unto  the  Lord  my 
God,"  says  David,  "of  that  which  doth  cost  me  nothing." 
2  Sam.  24  :  24. 


344  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

choice  of  companions  and  friends,  where  he  is  at  li- 
berty to  make  an  option ;  this  fills  him  with  the  de- 
sire of  promoting  the  temporal  well-being  of  all 
around  him,  and  still  more,  with  pity,  and  love,  and 
anxious  solicitude  for  their  spiritual  welfare.  Indif- 
ference indeed  in  this  respect  is  one  of  the  surest 
signs  of  a  low  or  declining  state  in  religion.  This 
animating  principle  it  is,  which  in  the  true  Chris- 
tian's happier  hour  inspirits  his  devotions,  and 
causes  him  to  delight  in  the  worship  of  God ;  which 
fills  him  with  consolation,  and  peace,  and  gladness, 
and  sometimes  even  enables  him  "to  rejoice  with 
joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory." 

But  this  world  is  not  his  resting-place:  here,  to 
the  very  last,  he  must  be  a  pilgrim  and  a  stranger  : 
a  soldier  whose  warfare  ends  only  with  life,  ever 
struggling    and    combating    with    the   powers    of 

*'  They  "  (the  apostles)  "departed  from  the  presence  of  the 
council  rejoicing  that  they  were  counted  worthy  to  suflfer 
shame  for  the  name  of  Jesus."  Acts,  5 :  41.  See  also  1  Thess. 
1 : 6.  Heb.  10 :  34.  James,  1 :  2.  1  Peter,  4 .13,  14. 

Such  are  the  marks  exhibited  in  Scripture  of  a  true  love 
to  God  :  and  though  our  regard  for  our  common  Lord  is  not 
put  to  the  same  severe  test  as  that  of  the  apostles  and  first 
Christians  was,  yet,  if  the  same  principle  existed  in  us  also, 
it  would  surely  dispose  us  to  act  in  the  spirit  of  that  con- 
duct, and  prompt  us  rather  to  be  willing  to  exceed  in  self- 
denials  and  labors  for  Christ's  sake,  than  to  be  so  forward  as 
we  are  to  complain,  whenever  we  are  called  upon  to  per- 
form or  to  abstain  from  any  thing,  though  in  an  instance  ever 
so  little  contrarv  to  our  inclinations. 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  345 

darkness,  and  with  the  temptations  of  the  world 
around  him,  and  the  still  more  dangerous  hostilities 
of  internal  depravity.  The  perpetual  vicissitudes 
of  this  uncertain  state;  the  peculiar  trials  and  dif- 
ficulties with  w^hich  the  life  of  a  Christian  is  che- 
quered; and  still  more,  the  painful  and  humiliating 
remembrance  of  his  own  infirmities  teach  him  to 
look  forward,  almost  with  outstretched  neck,  to 
that  promised  day,  when  he  shall  be  completely  de- 
livered from  the  bondage  of  corruption,  and  sorrow 
and  sighing  shall  flee  away.  In  the  anticipation  of 
that  blessed  period,  and  comparing  this  churlish  and 
turbulent  world,  where  competition,  and  envy,  and 
ange>r,  and  revenge,  so  vex  and  agitate  the  sons  of 
men,  with  that  blissful  region  where  love  shall  reign 
without  disturbance,  and  where  all  being  knit  to- 
gether in  bonds  of  indissoluble  friendship,  shall 
unite  in  one  harmonious  song  of  praise  to  the 
Author  of  their  common  happiness,  the  true  Chris- 
tian triumphs  over  the  fear  of  death:  he  longs  to 
realize  these  cheering  images,  and  to  obtain  admis- 
sion into  that  blessed  company.  With  far  more 
justice  than  it  was  originally  used,  he  may  adopt  the 
beautiful  exclamation — "  O  prseclarum  ilium  diem, 
cum  ad  illud  divinum  animorum  concilium  cc&tum- 
que  proficiscar,  atque  ex  hae  turb^  et  colluvione 
discedam!" 

What  has  been  now  as  well  as  formerly  remarked 
concerning-  the  habitual  feeling's  of  the  real  believer, 


346  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

may  suggest  a  reply  to  an  objection  common  in  the 
mouths  of  the  nominal  Christians,  that  we  would 
deny  men  the  innocent  amusements  and  gratifica- 
tions of  life;  thus  causing  our  religion  to  wear  a 
gloomy,  forbidding  aspect,  instead  of  her  true  and  na- 
tural face  of  cheerfulness  and  joy.  This  is  a  charge 
of  so  serious  a  nature,  that  although  it  lead  into  a  di- 
gression, it  may  not  be  improper  to  take  some  notice 
of  it. 

In  the  first  place,  religion  prohibits  no  amusement 
or  gratification  which  is  really  innocent.  The  ques- 
tion, however,  of  its  innocence,  must  not  be  tried  by 
the  loose  maxims  of  worldly  morality,  but  by  the 
spirit  of  the  injunctions  of  the  word  of  God,  and 
by  the  indulgence  being  conformable  or  not  conform- 
able to  the  genius  of  Christianity,  and  to  the  tempers 
and  dispositions  of  mind  enjoined  on  its  professors. 
There  can  be  no  dispute  concerning  the  true  end  of 
recreations.  They  are  intended  to  refresh  our  ex- 
hausted bodily  or  mental  powers,  and  to  restore  us, 
with  renewed  vigor,  to  the  more  serious  occupations 
of  life.  Whatever,  therefore,  fatigues  either  body  or 
mind,  instead  of  refreshing  them,  is  not  fitted  to 
answer  the  designed  purpose.  Whatever  consumes 
more  time,  or  money,  or  thought,  than  it  is  expe- 
dient, or  rather  necessary,  to  allot  to  mere  amuse- 
ment, can  hardly  be  approved  by  any  one  who  con- 
siders these  talents  as  precious  deposits,  for  the 
expenditure  of  which  he  will  have  to  give  account. 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  347 

Whatever  directly  or  indirectly  must  be  likely  to 
injure  the  welfare  of  a  fellow  creature,  can  scarcely 
be  a  suitable  recreation  for  a  Christian,  who  is  "  to 
love  his  neighbor  as  himself;"  or  a  very  consistent 
diversion  for  any  one,  the  business  of  whose  life  is 
to  diffuse  happiness. 

But  does  a  Christian  never  relax?  Let  us  not  so 
wrong  and  vilify  the  bounty  of  Providence,  as  to  al- 
low for  a  moment  that  the  sources  of  innocent  amuse- 
ment are  so  rare  that  men  must  be  driven,  almost  by 
constraint,  to  such  as  are  of  a  doubtful  quality.  On  the 
contrary,  such  has  been  the  Creator's  goodness,  that 
almost  every  one,  both  of  our  physical,  and  intellec- 
tual, and  moral  faculties,  and  the  same  may  be  said 
of  the  whole  creation  which  we  see  around  us,  is  not 
only  calculated  to  answer  the  proper  end  of  its  being, 
by  its  subserviency  to  some  purpose  of  solid  use- 
fulness, but  to  be  the  instrument  of  administering 
pleasure. 

Not  content 
With  every  food  of  life  to  nourish  man, 
Thou  makest  all  nature  beauty  to  his  eye 
And  music  to  his  ear. 

Our  Maker  also,  in  his  kindness,  has  so  constructed 
us  that  even  mere  vicissitude  is  grateful  and  refresh- 
ing— a  consideration  which  should  prompt  us  often 
to  seek,  from  a  prudent  variation  of  useful  pursuits, 
that  recreation  for  which  we  are  apt  to  resort  to 
what  is  altogether  unproductive  and  unfruitful. 


348  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

Yet  rich  and  multiplied  are  the  springs  of  inno- 
cent relaxation.  The  Christian  relaxes  in  the  tem- 
perate use  of  all  the  gifts  of  Providence.  Imagina- 
tion, and  taste,  and  genius,  and  the  beauties  of  cre- 
ation, and  the  works  of  art,  lie  open  to  him.  He  re- 
laxes in  the  feast  of  reason,  in  the  intercourses  of  so- 
ciety, in  the  sweets  of  friendship,  in  the  endearments 
of  love,  in  the  exercise  of  hope,  of  confidence,  of  joy, 
of  gratitude,  of  universal  good  will,  of  all  the  bene- 
volent and  generous  affections :  which,  by  the  gra- 
cious ordination  of  our  Creator,  while  they  disin- 
terestedly intend  only  happiness  to  others,  are  most 
surely  productive  to  ourselves  of  complacency  and 
peace.  O  !  little  do  they  know  of  the  true  measure 
of  enjoyment,  who  can  compare  these  delightful 
complacencies  with  the  frivolous  pleasures  of  dissipa- 
tion, or  the  coarse  gratifications  of  sensuality.  It  is 
no  wonder,  however,  that  the  nominal  Christian 
should  reluctantly  give  up,  one  by  one,  the  pleasures 
of  the  world  ;  and  look  back  upon  them,  when  relin- 
quished, with  eyes  of  wistfulness  and  regret ;  because 
he  knows  not  the  sweetness  of  the  delights  with  which 
true  Christianity  repays  those  trifling  sacrifices,  and 
is  greatly  unacquainted  with  the  nature  of  that  plea- 
santness which  is  to  be  found  in  the  ways  of  religion. 
It  is  indeed  true,  that  when  any  one  who  has  long 
been  going  on  in  the  gross  and  unrestrained  practice 
of  vice  is  checked  in  his  career,  and  enters  at  first 
on  a  religious  course,  he   has  much  to  undergo. 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  849 

Fear,  guilt,  remorse,  shame,  and  various  other  pas- 
sions, struggle  and  conflict  within  him.  His  appetites 
are  clamorous  for  their  accustomed  gratification,  and 
inveterate  habits  are  scarcely  to  be  denied.  He  is 
weighed  down  by  a  load  of  guilt,  and  almost  over- 
whelmed by  the  sense  of  his  un worthiness.  But  all 
this  ought  in  fairness  to  be  charged  to  the  account  of 
his  past  sins,  and  not  to  that  of  his  present  repen  ■ 
tance.  It  rarely  happens,  however,  that  this  state  of 
suffering  continues  very  long.  When  the  mental 
gloom  IS  the  blackest,  a  ray  of  heavenly  light  occa- 
sionally breaks  in,  and  suggests  the  hope  of  better 
days.  Even  in  this  life  it  commonly  holds  true, 
"  They  that  sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy." 

Neither,  when  we  maintain  that  the  ways  of  re- 
ligion are  ways  of  pleasantness,  do  we  mean  to  deny 
that  the  Christian's  internal  state  is,  through  the 
whole  of  his  life,  a  state  of  discipline  and  warfare. 
Several  of  the  causes  which  contribute  to  render  it 
such  have  been  already  pointed  out,  together  with 
the  workings  of  his  mind  in  relation  to  them:  but  if 
he  has  solicitudes  and  griefs  peculiar  to  himself,  he 
has  "joys  also  with  which  a  stranger  intermeddles 
not." 

A  little  religion  is,  it  must  be  confessed,  apt  to 
make  men  gloomy,  as  a  little  knowledge  to  render 
them  vain  :  hence  the  unjust  imputation  often  brought 
upon  religion  by  those  whose  degree  of  religion  is 
just  sufficient,  by  condemning  their  course  of  con- 
30 


350  PRACTICAL    HINTS    TO 

duct,  to  render  them  uneasy;  enough  merely  to 
impair  the  sweetness  of  the  pleasures  of  sin,  and  not 
enough  to  compensate  for  the  relinquishment  of 
them  by  its  own  peculiar  comforts.  Thus  these  men 
bring  up  an  ill  report  of  that  land  of  promise  which 
in  truth  abounds  with  whatever,  in  our  journey 
through  life,  can  best  refresh  and  strengthen  us. 

We  have  enumerated  some  sources  of  pleasure 
which  men  of  the  world  may  understand,  and  must 
acknowledge  to  belong  to  the  true  Christian  ;  but 
there  are  others,  and  those  of  a  still  higher  class, 
to  which  they  must  confess  themselves  strangers. 
To  say  nothing  of  a  degree  of  exemption  from 
those  distracting  passions  and  corroding  cares,  by 
which  he  must  naturally  be  harassed  whose  trea- 
sure is  within  the  reach  of  mortal  accidents ;  there 
is  the  humble,quiet-giving  hope  of  being  reconciled 
to  God,  and  of  enjoying  his  favor;  with  that  solid 
peace  of  mind  which  the  world  can  neither  give  nor 
take  away,  which  results  from  a  firm  confidence  in 
the  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness  of  God,  and  in 
the  unceasing  care  and  kindness  of  a  gracious  Sa- 
vior :  and  there  is  the  persuasion  of  the  truth  of 
the  Divine  assurance,  that  all  things  shall  work  to- 
gether for  good. 

When  flushed  with  youth,  and  health,  and  vigor  ; 
when  all  goes  on  prosperously,  and  success  seems 
almost  to  anticipate  our  wishes;  then  we  feel  not 
the  want  of  the  consolations  of  religion  :  but  when 


VARIOUS    PERSONS.  351 

fortune  frowns,  or  friends  forsake  us,  when  sorrow, 
or  sickness,  or  old  age  comes  upon  us,  then  it  is 
that  the  superiority  of  the  pleasures  of  religion  is 
established  over  those  of  dissipation  and  vanity, 
which  are  ever  apt  to  fly  from  us  when  we  are  most 
in  want  of  their  aid.  There  is  scarcely  a  more 
melancholy  sight  to  a  considerate  mind,  than  that  of 
an  old  man  who  is  a  stranger  to  those  only  true 
sources  of  satisfaction.  How  afTecting,  and  at  the 
same  time  how  disgusting  is  it  to  see  such  a  one 
awkwardly  catching  at  the  pleasures  of  his  younger 
years,  which  are  now  beyond  his  reach ;  or  feebly 
attempting  to  retain  them,  while  they  mock  his  endea- 
vors and  elude  his  grasp  !  To  such  a  one,  gloomily 
indeed  does  the  evening  of  life  set  in.  All  is  sour  and 
cheerless.  He  can  neither  look  backward  with  com- 
placency, nor  forward  with  hope:  while  the  aged 
Christian,  relying  on  the  assured  mercy  of  his  Re- 
deemer, can  calmly  reflect  that  his  dismission  is  at 
hand ;  that  his  redemption  draweth  nigh  :  while  his 
strength  declines  and  his  faculties  decay,  he  can 
quietly  repose  himself  on  the  fidelity  of  God :  and 
at  the  very  entrance  of  the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death  he  can  lift  up  an  eye,  dim,  perhaps,  and 
feeble,  yet  occasionally  sparkling  with  hope,  and 
confidently  looking  forward  to  the  near  possession  of 
his  heavenly  inheritance,  "to  those  joys  which  eye 
hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  hath  it  entered 
into  the  heart  of  man  to  conceive." 


3$2  ADVICE    TO    PROFESSORS 

Never  were  there  times  which  inculcated  more 
forcibly,  than  those  in  which  we  live,  the  wisdom  of 
seeking  happiness  beyond  the  reach  of  human  vicis- 
situdes. What  striking  lessons  have  we  had  of  the 
precarious  tenure  of  all  sublunary  possessions! 
Wealth,  and  power,  and  prosperity,  how  peculiarly 
transitory  and  uncertain  !  But  religion  dispenses  her 
choicest  cordials  in  the  seasons  of  exigence,  in  po- 
verty, in  exile,  in  sickness,  and  in  death.  The  essen- 
tial superiority  of  that  support  which  is  derived  from 
religion  is  less  felt,  at  least  it  is  less  apparent,  when 
the  Christian  is  in  full  possession  of  riches,  and 
splendor,  and  rank,  and  all  the  gifts  of  nature  and 
fortune.  But  when  all  these  are  swept  away  by  the 
rude  hand  of  time,  or  the  rough  blasts  of  adversity, 
the  true  Christian  stands,  like  the  glory  of  the  forest, 
erect  and  vigorous ;  stripped  indeed  of  his  summer 
foliage,  but  more  than  ever  discovering  to  the  observ- 
ing eye  the  solid  strength  of  his  substantial  texture : 

Pondere  fixa  suo  est,  nudosque  per  aera  ramos 
Attollens,  trunco  non  frondibus  efficit  umbram. 


SECTION    II. 

Advice  to  some  who  profess  full  assent  to  the  fimdamental  doe- 
triTicsofthe  Gospel. 

In  a  former  chapter  wo  largely  insisted  on  what 
may  be  termed  the  fundamental  practical  error  of 


OF    THE    GOSPEL,  358 

the  bulk  of  professed  Christians  in  our  days;  their 
either  overlooking  or  misconceiving  the  peculiar 
method  which  the  Gospel  has  provided  for  the  reno- 
vation of  our  corrupted  nature,  and  for  the  attainment 
of  every  Christian  grace. 

But  there  are  mistakes  on  the  right  hand  and  on 
the  left;  and  our  general  proneness,  when  flying 
from  one  extreme  to  run  into  an  opposite  error,  ren- 
ders it  necessary  to  superadd  another  admonition. 
The  generally  prevailing  error  of  the  present  day, 
indeed,  is  that  fundamental  one  which  was  formerly 
pointed  out.  But  while  we  attend,  in  the  first  place, 
to  this ;  and,  on  the  warrant  both  of  Scripture  and 
experience,  prescribe  hearty  repentance  and  lively 
faith  as  the  only  root  and  foundation  of  all  true  ho- 
liness ;  we  must  at  the  same  time  guard  against  a 
practical  mistake  of  another  kind.  Those  who,  with 
penitent  hearts,  have  humbled  themselves  before  the 
cross  of  Christ;  and  who,  pleading  his  merits  as  their 
only  ground  of  pardon  and  acceptance,  have  resolv- 
ed henceforth,  through  the  influences  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  to  bring  forth  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  are 
sometimes  apt  to  conduct  themselves  as  if  they  con- 
sidered their  work  as  done ;  or  at  least  as  if  this  were 
the  whole  they  had  to  do,  as  often  as,  by  falling  afresh 
into  sin,  another  act  of  repentance  and  faith  may  seenri 
to  have  become  necessary.  There  are  not  a  few  in 
our  relaxed  age,  who  thus  satisfy  themselves  with 
what  may  be  termed  general  Christianity ;  who  feel 
30* 


354  ADVICE    TO    PROFESSORS 

general  penitence  and  humiliation  from  a  sense  of 
their  sinfulness  in  general,  and  general  desires  of 
universal  holiness  ;  but  who  neglect  that  vigilant  and 
jealous  care  with  which  they  s-hould  labor  to  extir- 
pate every  particular  corruption,  by  studying  its  na- 
ture, its  root,  its  ramifications,  and  thus  becoming 
acquainted  with  its  secret  movements,  with  the  means 
whereby  it  gains  strength,  and  with  the  most  effectual 
methods  of  resisting  it.  In  like  manner,  they  are  far 
from  striving  with  persevering  alacrity  for  the  ac- 
quisition and  improvement  of  every  Christian  grace. 
Nor  is  it  unusual  for  ministers,  who  preach  the  truths 
of  the  Gospel  with  fidelity,  ability,  and  success,  to  be 
themselves  also  liable  to  the  charge  of  dwelling  al- 
together in  their  instructions  on  this  general  reli- 
gion :  instead  of  tracing  and  laying  open  the  secret 
motions  of  inward  corruption,  and  instructing  their 
hearers  how  best  to  conduct  themselves  in  every  dis- 
tinct part  of  the  Christian  warfare  ;  how  best  to  strive 
against  each  particular  vice,  and  to  cultivate  each 
grace  of  the  Christian  character.  In  too  many  per- 
sons, concerning  the  sincerity  of  whose  general  pro- 
fessions of  religion  we  should  be  sorry  to  entertain 
a  doubt,  we  see  little  progress  made  in  the  regulation 
of  their  tempers,  in  the  improvement  of  their  time, 
in  the  reform  of  their  plan  of  life,  or  in  ability  to  re- 
sist the  temptation  to  which  they  are  particularly 
exposed.  They  will  confess  themselves,  in  general 
terms,  to  be  "miserable  sinners:"  this  is  a  tenet  of 


OF    THE    GOSPEL.  355 

their  creeJ,  and  they  feel  even  proud  in  avowing  it» 
They  will  occasionally  also  lament  particular  fail- 
ings :  but  this  confession  is  sometimes  obviously 
made  in  order  to  draw  forth  a  compliment  for  the 
very  opposite  virtue:  and  where  this  is  not  the  case, 
it  is  often  not  difficult  to  detect,  under  this  false  guise 
of  contrition,  a  secret  self-complacency,  arising  from 
the  manifestations  they  have  afforded  of  their  acute- 
ness  or  candor  in  discovering  the  ihnrmity  in  ques- 
tion, or  of  their  frankness  or  humility  in  acknowledg- 
ing it.  This  will  scarcely  seem  an  illiberal  suspicion 
to  any  one  who  either  watches  the  workings  of  his 
own  heart,  or  who  observes  that  the  faults  confessed 
in  these  instances  are  very  seldom  those  with  which 
the  person  is  most  clearly  and  strongly  chargeable. 
We  must  plainly  warn  these  men,  and  the  consi- 
deration is  seriously  pressed  on  their  instructors  also, 
that  they  are  in  danger  of  deceiving  themselves  Let 
them  beware  lest  they  be  nominal  Christians  of 
another  sort.  These  persons  require  to  be  reminded 
that  there  is  no  short  compendious  method  of  holi- 
ness; but  that  it  must  be  the  business  of  their  whole 
lives  to  grow  in  grace,  and  continually  adding  one 
virtue  to  another,  as  far  as  may  be,  "to  go  on  towards 
perfection."  He  only  "that  doeth  righteousness  is 
righteous."  Unless  "they  bring  forth  the  fruits  of 
the  Spirit,"  they  can  have  no  sufficient  evidence  that 
they  have  received  that  Spirit  of  Christ,  without 
which  thev  are  none  of  his.    But  where,  on  th« 


356  ADVICE    TO    PROFESSORS 

whole,  our  unwillingness  to  pass  an  unfavorable 
judgment  may  lead  us  to  indulge  a  hope  that  "  the 
root  of  the  matter  is  found  in  them,"  yet  we  must  de- 
clare to  them,  that  instead  of  adorning  the  doctrine 
of  Christ,  they  disparage  and  discredit  it.  The  world 
sees  not  their  secret  humiliation,  nor  the  exercises  of 
their  closets,  but  it  is  acute  in  discerning  practical 
weaknesses;  and  if  it  observe  that  they  have  the 
same  eagerness  in  the  pursuit  of  weahh  or  ambition, 
the  same  vain  taste  for  ostentation  and  display,  the 
same  ungoverned  tempers  which  are  found  in  the 
generality  of  mankind,  it  will  treat  with  contempt 
their  pretences  to  superior  sanctity  and  indifference 
to  worldly  things,  and  will  be  hardened  in  its  preju- 
dices against  the  only  mode  which  God  has  provided 
for  our  escaping  the  wrath  to  come,  and  obtaining 
eternal  happiness. 

Let  him,  then,  who  would  be  indeed  a  Christian, 
watch  over  his  ways  and  over  his  heart  with  unceas- 
ing circumspection.  Let  him  endeavor  to  learn,  both 
from  men  and  books,  particularly  from  the  lives  of 
eminent  Christians,  what  methods  have  been  actual- 
ly found  most  effectual  for  the  conquest  of  every  par- 
ticular vice,  and  for  improvement  in  every  branch  of 
holiness.  Thus  studying  his  own  character,  and  ob- 
serving the  most  secret  workings  of  his  own  mind, 
and  of  our  common  nature ;  the  knowledge  which 
he  will  acquire  of  the  human  heart  in  general,  and 
especially  of  his  own,  will  be  of  the  highest  utility 


OF    THE    GOSPEL.  857 

in  enabling  him  to  avoid  or  to  guard  against  the  oc- 
casions of  evil ;  and  it  will  also  tend,  above  all  things, 
to  the  growth  of  humility,  and  to  the  maintenance 
of  that  sobriety  of  spirit  and  tenderness  of  conscience 
which  are  eminently  characteristic  of  the  true  Chris- 
tian. It  is  by  this  unceasing  diligence,  as  the  apostle 
declares,  that  the  servants  of  Christ  must  make  their 
calling  sure.  Their  labor  will  not  be  thrown  away; 
for  *' an  entrance  shall"  at  length  "be  ministered 
unto  them  abundantly,  into  the  everlasting  kingdom 
of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ." 

SECTION  III. 

Brief  observations  addressed  to  Sceptics  and  Unitarians. 

There  is  another  class  of  men,  an  increasing  class 
it  is  to  be  feared,  in  this  country,  that  of  absolute  un- 
believers, with  which  this  little  work  has  properly  no 
concern :  but  may  the  writer,  sincerely  pitying  their 
melancholy  state,  be  permitted  to  ask  them  one  plain 
question  ?  If  Christianity  be  not  in  their  estimation 
true,  yet  is  there  not  at  least  a  presumption  in  its  fa- 
vor sufficient  to  entitle  it  to  a  serious  examination ; 
from  its  having  been  embraced,  and  that  not  blindly 
and  implicitly,  but  upon  full  inquiry  and  deep  con- 
sideration,  by  Bacon,  and  Milton,  and  Locke,  and 
Newton,  and  much  the  greater  part  of  those,  who, 
by  the  reach  of  their  understandings,  or  the  extent 


358  BRIEF    OBSERVATIONS    TO 

of  their  knowledge,  and  by  the  freedom  of  their 
minds,  and  their  daring  to  combat  existing  preju- 
dices, have  called  forth  the  respect  and  admiration 
of  mankind  ?  It  might  be  deemed  scarcely  fair  to  in- 
stance clergymen,  though  some  of  them  are  among 
the  greatest  names  this  country  has  ever  known. 
Can  the  sceptic  in  general  say  with  truth  that  he  has 
either  prosecuted  an  examination  into  the  evidences 
of  revelation  at  all,  or  at  least  with  a  seriousness  and 
diligence  in  any  degree  proportioned  to  the  impor- 
tance of  the  subject?  The  fact  is,  and  it  is  a  fact 
which  redounds  to  the  honor  of  Christianity,  that 
infidelity  is  not  the  result  of  sober  inquiry  and  deli- 
berate preference.  It  is  rather  the  slow  production 
of  a  careless  and  irreligious  life,  operating  together 
with  prejudices  and  erroneous  conceptions  concern- 
ing the  nature  of  the  leading  doctrines  and  funda- 
mental tenets  of  Christianity. 

Take  the  case  of  young  men  of  condition,  bred  up 
by  what  we  have  termed  nominal  Christians.  When 
children,  they  are  carried  to  church,  and  there  they 
become  acquainted  with  such  parts  of  Scripture  as 
are  contained  in  our  public  service.  If  their  parents 
preserve  still  more  of  the  customs  of  better  times, 
they  are  taught  their  catechism,  and  furnished  with 
a  little  further  religious  knowledge.  After  a  while 
they  go  from  under  the  eyes  of  their  parents ;  they 
enter  into  the  world,  and  move  forward  in  the  path 
of  life,  whstever  it  may  be,  which  has  been  assigned 


SCEPTICS    AND    UNITARIANS.  359 

to  them.  They  yield  to  the  temptations  which  assail 
them,  and  become  more  or  less  dissipated  and  licen- 
tious. At  least  they  neglect  to  look  into  their  Bible ; 
they  do  not  enlarge  the  sphere  of  their  religious  ac- 
quisitions ;  they  do  not  even  endeavor,  by  reflection 
and  study,  to  turn  into  what  may  deserve  the  name 
of  knowledge  and  rational  conviction,  the  opinions 
which,  in  their  childhood,  they  had  taken  on  trust. 

They  travel,  perhaps,  into  foreign  countries ;  a 
proceeding  w^hich  naturally  tends  to  weaken  their 
nursery  prejudice  in  favor  of  the  religion  in  which 
they  were  bred,  and  by  removing  them  from  all 
means  of  public  worship,  to  relax  their  practical 
habits  of  religion.  They  return  home,  and  common- 
ly are  either  hurried  round  in  the  vortex  of  dissipa- 
tion, or  engage  with  the  ardor  of  youthful  minds  in 
some  public  or  professional  pursuit.  If  they  read  or 
hear  any  thing  about  Christianity,  it  is  commonly 
only  about  those  tenets  which  are  subjects  of  con- 
troversy ;  and  what  reaches  their  ears  from  the  Bible, 
in  their  occasional  attendance  at  church,  though  it 
may  sometimes  impress  them  with  an  idea  of  the 
purity  of  christian  morality,  contains  much  which, 
coming  thus  detached,  perplexes  and  offends  them, 
and  suggests  various  doubts  and  startling  objections 
which  a  further  acquaintance  with  the  Scripture 
would  remove.  Thus  growing  more  and  m.ore  to 
know  Christianity  only  by  the  difficulties  it  contains ; 
sometimes  tempted  by  an  ambition  of  showing  them- 


360  BRIEF    OBSERVATIONS    TO 

selves  superior  to  what  they  think  vulgar  prejudice, 
and  always  prompted  by  the  natural  pride  of  the 
human  heart  to  cast  off  subjection  to  dogmas  imposed 
on  them ;  disgusted,  perhaps,  by  the  immoral  lives 
of  some  professed  Christians,  by  the  weaknesses  and 
absurdities  of  others,  and  by  what  they  observe  to  be 
the  implicit  belief  of  numbers  whom  they  see  and 
know  to  be  equally  ignorant  with  themselves  ;  many 
doubts  and  suspicions  of  greater  or  less  extent  spring 
up  within  them.  These  doubts  enter  into  the  mind  at 
first  almost  imperceptibly :  they  exist  only  as  vague 
indistinct  surmises,  and  by  no  means  take  the  precise 
shape  or  the  substance  of  a  formed  opinion.  At  first, 
probably,  they  even  offend  and  startle  by  their  intru- 
sion ;  but  by  degrees  the  unpleasant  sensations  they 
once  excited  wear  off;  the  mind  grows  more  familiar 
with  them.  A  confused  sense,  for  such  it  is,  rather 
than  a  formed  idea  of  its  being  desirable  that  their 
doubts  should  prove  well  founded,  lends  them  much 
secret  aid.  The  impression  becomes  deeper ;  not  in 
consequence  of  being  reinforced  by  fresh  arguments, 
but  merely  by  dint  of  having  longer  rested  in  the 
mind ;  and  as  they  increase  in  force,  they  creep  on 
and  extend  themselves.  At  length  they  diffuse  them- 
selves over  the  whole  of  religion,  and  possess  the 
mind  in  undisturbed  occupancy. 

It  is  by  no  means  meant  that  this  is  universally 
the  process.  But  speaking  generally,  this  might  be 
termed,  perhaps  not  unjustly,  the  natural  history  of 


SCEPTICS    AND    UNITARIANS.  361 

scepticism.  It  approves  itself  to  the  experience  of 
those  who  have  with  any  care  watched  the  progress 
of  infidelity  in  persons  around  them ;  and  it  is  con- 
firmed by  the  written  lives  of  some  of  the  most  eminent 
unbelievers.  It  is  curious  to  read  their  own  accounts 
of  themselves,  the  rather  as  they  accord  so  exactly 
with  the  result  of  our  own  observation.  We  find 
that  they  once  perhaps  gave  a  sort  of  implicit  heredi- 
tary assent  to  the  truth  of  Christianity,  and  were  what 
by  a  mischievous  perversion  of  language  the  world 
denominates  believers.  How  were  they  then  awa- 
kened from  their  sleep  of  ignorance  ?  At  what  mo- 
ment did  the  light  of  truth  beam  in  upon  them,  and 
dissipate  the  darkness  in  which  they  had  been  involv- 
ed t  The  period  of  their  infidelity  is  marked  by  no 
such  determinate  boundary.  Reason,  and  thought, 
and  inquiry  had  little  or  nothing  to  do  with  it.  Ha- 
ving for  many  years  lived  careless  and  irreligious 
lives,  and  associated  with  companions  equally  care- 
less and  irreligious ;  not  by  force  of  study  and  re- 
flection, but  rather  by  the  lapse  of  time,  they  at 
length  attained  to  their  infidel  maturity.  It  is 
worthy  of  remark,  that  where  any  are  reclaimed 
from  infidelity,  it  is  generally  by  a  process  much 
more  rational  than  that  which  has  been  here  de- 
scribed. Something  awakens  them  to  reflection. 
They  examine,  they  consider,  and  at  length  yield 
their  assent  to  Christianity  on  what  they  deem  suffi- 
cient grounds. 

31 


362.  BRIEF    OBSERVATIONS    TO 

From  the  account  here  given,  it  appears  plainly 
that  infidelity  is  generally  the  offspring  of  prejudice, 
and  that  its  success  is  mainly  to  be  ascribed  to  the 
depravity  of  the  moral  character.  This  fact  is  con- 
firmed by  the  undeniable  truth,  that  in  societies, 
which  consist  of  individuals,  infidelity  is  the  natural 
fruit,  not  so  much  of  a  studious  and  disputatious,  as 
of  a  dissipated  and  vicious  age.  It  diffuses  itself  in 
proportion  as  the  general  morals  decline ;  and  it  is 
embraced  with  less  apprehension,  when  every  infi- 
del is  kept  in  spirits  by  seeing  many  around  him 
who  are  sharing  fortunes  with  himself. 

To  anjr  fair  mind  this  consideration  alone  might  be 
offered,  as  suggesting  a  strong  argument  against  in- 
fidelity, and  in  favor  of  revelation.  And  the  friends 
of  Christianity  might  justly  retort  the  charge  which 
their  opponents  often  urge  with  no  little  affectation 
of  superior  wisdom,  that  we  implicitly  surrender 
ourselves  to  the  influence  of  prejudice,  instead  of 
examining  dispassionately  the  ground  of  our  faith,, 
and  yielding  our  assent  only  according  to  the  degree 
of  evidence. 

In  our  own  days,  when  it  is  but  too  clear  that  in- 
fidelity increases,  it  is  not  in  consequence  of  the  rea- 
sonings of  the  infidel  writers  having  been  much  stu- 
died, but  from  the  progress  of  luxury  and  the  decay 
of  morals ;  and,  so  far  as  this  increase  may  be  traced 
at  all  to  the  works  of  sceptical  writers,  it  has  been 
produced,  not  by  argument  and  discussion,  but  by 


SCEPTICS    AND    UNITARIANS.  363 

f?arcasms  and  points  of  wit,  which  have  operated  on 
weak  minds,  or  on  nominal  Christians,  by  bringing 
gradually  into  contempt  opinions  which,  in  their 
case,  had  only  rested  on  the  basis  of  blind  respect 
and  the  prejudices  of  education.  It  may  therefore  be 
laid  down  as  an  axiom,  that  infidelity  is  in  general  a 
disease  of  the  heart  more  than  of  the  understanding. 
If  revelation  were  assailed  only  by  reason  and  argu- 
ment, it  would  have  little  to  fear.  The  literary  op- 
posers  of  Christianity,  from  Herbert  to  Hume,  have 
been  seldom  read.  They  made  some  stir  in  their 
day;  during  their  brief  span  of  existence  they  were 
noisy  and  noxious  ;  but,  like  the  locusts  of  the  east, 
which  for  a  w^hile  obscure  the  air  and  destroy  the 
verdure,  they  were  soon  swept  away  and  forgotten. 
Their  very  names  would  be  scarcely  found  if  Leland 
had  not  preserved  them  from  oblivion. 

The  account  which  has  been  given  of  the  secret 
but  grand  source  of  infidelity,  may  perhaps  justly  be 
extended,  as  being  not  seldom  true  in  the  case  of 
those  who  deny  the  fundamental  doctrines  of  the 
Gospel. 

In  the  course  which  we  lately  traced  from  nomi- 
nal orthodoxy  to  absolute  infidelity,  Unitarianism*  is, 

*  The  author  is  aware  that  he  may  perhaps  be  censured 
for  conceding  this  term  to  the  class  of  persons  now  in  ques- 
tion, since  orthodox  Christians  equally  contend  for  the  uni- 
ty of  the  Divine  nature ;  and  it  perhaps  may  hardly  be  a 
sufficient  excuse,  that,  it  not  being-  his  object  particularly 


S64  BRIEF    OBSERVATIONS    TO 

indeed,  a  sort  of  half-way  house,  if  the  expression 
may  be  pardoned ;  a  stage  on  the  journey,  where 
sometimes  a  person  indeed  finally  stops,  but  where, 
not  unfrequently,  he  only  pauses  for  a  while,  and 
then  pursues  his  progress. 

The  unitarian  teachers  by  no  means  profess  to  ab- 
solve their  followers  from  the  unbending  strictness 
of  Christian  morality.  They  prescribe  the  predomi- 
nant love  of  God,  and  an  habitual  spirit  of  devotion  : 
but  it  is  an  unquestionable  fact,  a  fact  which  they 
themselves  almost  admit,  that  this  class  of  religion- 
ist is  not  in  general  distinguished  for  superior  purity 
of  life;  and  still  less  for  that  frame  of  mind  which, 
by  the  injunction  '*  to  be  spiritually,  not  carnally 
minded,"  the  word  of  God  prescribes  to  us,  as  one  of 
the  surest  tests  of  our  experiencing  the  vital  power  of 
Christianity.  On  the  contrary,  in  point  of  fact,  Uni- 
tarianism  seems  to  be  resorted  to,  not  merely  by 
those  who  are  disgusted  with  the  peculiar  doctrines 
of  Christianity,  but  by  those  also  who  are  seeking 
a  refuge  from  the  strictness  of  her  practical  precepts, 
and  who  more  particularly  would  escape  from  the 
obligation  which  she  imposes  on  her  adherents  ra- 
ther to  incur  the  dreaded  charge  of  singularity,  than 
fall  in  with  the  declining  manners  of  a  dissipated  age. 

to  refute  the  errors  of  Unitarianism,  he  uses  the  term  in  its 
popular  sense  rather  than  give  needless  offence.  He  thus 
guards,  however,  against  any  false  construction  being  drawti 
from  his  use  of  it. 


SCEPTICS    AND     UNITARIANS.  365 

Unitarianism,  where  it  may  be  supposed  to  pro- 
ceed from  the  understanding-  rather  than  from  the 
heart,  is  not  unfrequently  produced  by  a  confused 
idea  of  the  difficulties,  or,  as  they  are  termed,  the 
impossibilities  which  orthodox  Christianity  is  sup- 
posed to  involve.  It  is  notour  intention  to  enter  into 
the  controversy  :*  but  it  may  not  be  improper  to 
make  one  remark,  as  a  guard  to  persons  in  whose 
way  the  arguments  of  the  Unitarians  maybe  likely 
to  fall:  namely,  that  one  great  advantage  possessed 
by  deists,  and  perhaps  in  a  still  greater  degree  by 
Unitarians,  in  their  warfare  with  the  Christian  sys- 
tem, results  from  the  very  circumstances  of  their 
being  the  assailants.  They  urge  what  they  state  to 
be  powerful  arguments  against  the  truth  of  the  fun- 
damental doctrines  of  Christianity,  and  then  call 
upon  men  to  abandon  them  as  posts  no  longer  ten- 
able. But  those  who  are  disposed  to  yield  to  this 
assault,  should  call  to  mind,  that  it  has  pleased  God 
so  to  establish  the  constitution  of  all  things,  that  per- 
plexing difficulties  and  plausible  objections  may  be 

*  The  author  of  this  treatise  has,  since  its  completion,  pe- 
rused a  work,  entitled,  Calvinism  and  Socinianisra  com- 
pared, by  A.  Fuller ;  and,  without  reference  to  the  pecu- 
liarities of  calvanism,  he  is  happy  to  embrace  this  opportu- 
nity of  Calvanism,  the  high  obligation  which,  in  common 
with  all  the  friends  of  true  religion,  he  owes  to  the  author 
of  that  highly  valuable  publication  for  his  masterly  defence 
of  the  doctrines  of  Christianity,  and  his  acute  refutation  of 
the  opposite  errors. 

31* 


366  BRIEF    OBSERVATIONS    TO 

adduced  against  the  most  established  truths;  such, 
for  instance,  as  the  being  of  a  God,  and  many  others 
both  physical  and  moral.  In  all  cases,  therefore, 
it  becomes  us,  not  on  a  partial  view  to  reject  any 
proposition,  because  it  is  attended  with  difficulties; 
but  to  compare  the  difficulties  which  it  involves,  with 
those  that  attend  the  alternative  proposition  which 
must  be  embraced  on  its  rejection.  We  should  put 
to  the  proof  the  alternative  proposition  in  its  turn, 
and  see  whether  it  be  not  still  less  tenable  than  that 
which  we  are  summoned  to  abandon.  In  short,  we 
should  examine  circumspectly  on  all  sides ;  and 
abide  by  that  opinion  which,  on  carefully  balancing 
all  considerations,  appears  fairly  entitled  to  our  pre- 
ference. Experience,  however,  will  have  convinced 
the  attentive  observer  of  those  around  him,  that  it 
has  been  for  want  of  adverting  to  this  just  and  ob- 
vious principle,  that  the  Unitarians  in  particular  have 
gained  most  of  their  proselytes  from  the  church,  so 
far  as  argument  has  contributed  to  their  success. 
If  the  Unitarians,  or  even  the  deists,  were  considered 
in  their  turn  as  masters  of  the  field,  and  were  in 
their  turn  attacked,  both  by  arguments  tending  to 
disprove  their  system  directly,  and  to  disprove  it  indi- 
rectly, by  showing  the  high  probability  of  the  truth 
of  Christianity,  and  of  its  leading  and  peculiar  doc- 
trines, it  is  most  likely  that  they  would  soon  ap- 
pear wholly  unable  to  keep  their  ground.  In  short, 
reasoning  fairly,  there  is  no  medium  between  abso- 


SCEPTICS    AND    UNITARIANS.  367 

lute  Pyrrhonism  and  Christianity ;  and  if  we  reject 
the  latter  on  account  of  its  difficulties,  we  shall  be 
still  more  loudly  called  upon  to  reject  every  other 
system  which  has  been  offered  to  the  acceptance  of 
mankind.  This  consideration  might,  perhaps,  with 
advantage  be  more  attended  to  than  it  has  been, 
by  those  who  take  upon  them  to  vindicate  the  truth 
of  our  holy  religion:  as  many,  who,  from  inconside- 
ration,  or  any  other  cause,  are  disposed  to  give  up 
the  great  fundamentals  of  Christianity,  would  be 
startled  by  the  idea,  that  on  the  same  principle  on 
which  they  did  this,  they  must  give  up  the  hope  of 
finding  any  rest  for  the  sole  of  their  foot  on  any 
ground  of  religion,  and  not  stop  short  of  unqualified 
atheism. 

Besides  the  class  of  those  who  professedly  reject 
revelation,  there  is  another,  and  that  also,  it  is  to  be 
feared,  an  increasing  one,  which  may  be  called  the 
class  of  half-unbelievers,  who  are  to  be  found  in  va- 
rious degrees  of  approximation  to  a  state  of  absolute 
infidelity.  The  system,  if  it  deserve  the  name,  of 
these  men,  is  grossly  irrational.  Hearing  many  who 
assert,  and  many  who  deny  the  truth  of  Christianity, 
and  not  reflecting  seriously  enough  to  consider  that 
it  must  be  either  true  or  false,  they  take  up  a  strange 
sort  of  middle  opinion  of  its  qualified  truth.  They 
conceive  that  there  must  be  something  in  it,  though 
by  no  means  to  the  extent  to  which  it  is  pushed  by  or- 
thodox Christians.     They  grant  the  reality  of  future 


368  BRIEF    OBSERVATIONS    TO 

punishment,  and  even  that  they  themselves  cannot 
akogether  expect  to  escape  it ;  yet  "  they  trust  it 
will  not  go  so  hard  with  them  as  the  churchmen 
state ;"  and,  as  was  formerly  hinted,  though  disbe- 
lieving almost  every  material  doctrine  which  Chris- 
tianity contains ;  yet,  even  in  their  own  minds,  they 
by  no  means  conceive  themselves  to  be  enlisted  under 
the  banners  of  infidelity,  or  to  have  much  cause 
for  any  great  apprehension  lest  Christianity  phould 
prove  true. 

But  let  these  men  be  reminded  that  there  is  no 
middle  way.  If  they  can  be  prevailed  on  to  look 
into  their  Bible,  and  do  not  make  up  their  minds 
absolutely  to  reject  its  authority,  they  must  admit 
that  there  is  no  ground  whatever  for  this  vain  hope 
of  escaping  with  a  slight  measure  of  punishment. 
Nor  let  them  think  their  guilt  inconsiderable.  Is 
it  not  grossly  criminal  to  trifle  with  the  long-suf- 
fering of  God,  to  despise  alike  his  invitations  and 
his  threatenings,  and  the  offer  of  his  Spirit  of  grace, 
and  the  precious  blood  of  the  Redeemer  ?  Far  dif- 
ferent is  the  scripture  estimate ;  "how  shall  we  escape 
if  we  neglect  so  great  salvation  ?  "  It  shall  be  more 
tolerable  for  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  in  the  day  of 
judgment,"  than  for  those  who  voluntarily  shut  their 
eyes  against  that  full  light  which  the  bounty  of 
Heaven  has  poured  out  upon  them.  These  half-un- 
believers are  even  more  reprehensible  than  down- 
right sceptics,  for  remaining  in  this  state  of  careless 


8CEPTICS    AND    UNITARIANS.  S69 

uncertainty,  without  endeavoring  to  ascertain  the 
truth  or  falsehood  of  revelation.  The  probability 
which  they  admit,  that  it  may  be  true,  imposes  on 
them  an  additional  and  undeniable  obligation  to  in- 
quiry. But  both  to  them  and  to  decided  sceptics  it 
must  be  plainly  declared  that  they  are  in  these  days 
less  excusable  than  ever,  for  not  looking  into  the 
grounds  and  proofs  on  which  is  rested  the  truth  ot 
Christianity;  for  never  before  were  these  proofs  so 
plainly,  and  at  so  easy  a  rate  offered  to  the  conside- 
ration of  mankind.  Through  the  bounty  of  Provi- 
dence the  more  widely  spread  poison  of  infidelity 
has  in  our  days  been  met  with  more  numerous  and 
more  powerful  antidotes. 

The  infatuation  of  these  unbelievers  upon  trust 
would  be  less  striking,  if  they  were  able  altogether 
to  decline  Christianity;  and  were  at  liberty  to  re- 
linquish their  pretensions  to  its  rewards,  on  condition 
of  being  exempted  from  its  punishments.  But  that 
is  not  the  case ;  they  must  stand  the  risk  of  the  en- 
counter, and  their  eternal  happiness  or  misery  is 
suspended  upon  the  issue.*  What  must  be  the  emo- 
tions of  these  men,  on  first  opening  their  eyes  in  the 
world  of  spirits,  and  being  convinced,  too  late,  of  the 
awful  reality  of  their  impending  ruin  ?     May  the 

*  This  argument  is  pressed  with  uncommon  force  in  Pas- 
cal's Thoughts  on  Religion,  a  work  highly  valuable,  though 
not  in  every  part  to  be  approved ;  abounding  in  particular 
with  those  deep  views  of  religion  which  the  name  of  its 
author  prepares  us  to  expecL 


370  ADVICE    TO    TRUE    CHRISTIANS. 

mercy  and  the  power  of  God  awaken  them  from 
their  desperate  slumber,  while  life  is  yet  spared,  and 
there  is  yet  space  for  repentance ! 

SECTION    IV. 

Advice  suggested  by  the  state  of  the  times  to  true  Christians. 

To  those  who  really  deserve  the  appellation  of 
true  Christians,  much  has  been  said  incidentally  in 
the  course  of  the  present  work.  It  has  been  main 
tained,  and  the  proposition  will  not  be  disputed  by 
any  sound  or  experienced  politician,  that  they  are 
always  most  important  members  of  the  community. 
But  we  may  boldly  assert,  that  there  never  was  a 
period  wherein,  more  justly  than  in  the  present,  this 
could  be  affirmed  of  them ;  whether  the  situation,  in 
all  its  circumstances,  of  our  own  country  be  atten 
lively  considered,  or  the  general  state  of  society  in 
Europe.  Let  them,  on  their  part,  seriously  weigh 
the  important  station  which  they  fill,  and  the  various 
duties  it  now  peculiarly  enforces  on  them.  If  we 
consult  the  most  intelligent  accounts  of  foreign  coun- 
tries which  have  been  recently  published,  and  com- 
pare them  with  the  reports  of  former  travelers,  we 
must  be  convinced  that  religion  and  the  standard  of 
morals  are  every  where  declining,  abroad  even  more 
rapidly  than  in  our  own  country.  But  still  the  pro- 
gress of  irreligion  and  the  decay  of  morals  at  home 
are  such  as  to  alarm  every  considerate  mind,  and  to 


ADVICE    TO    TRUE    CHRISTIANS.  371 

forebode  the  worst  consequences,  unless  some  remedy- 
can  be  applied  to  the  growing  evil.  We  can  depend 
only  upon  true  Christians  for  effecting,  in  any  de- 
gree, this  important  service.  Zeal  is  required  in 
the  cause  of  religion;  they  only  can  feel  it.  The 
charge  of  singularity  must  be  incurred  ;  they  only 
will  dare  to  encounter  it.  Uniformity  of  conduct 
and  perseverance  in  exertion  will  be  requisite; 
among  no  others  can  we  look  for  those  qualities. 

Let  true  Christians  then,  with  becoming  earnest- 
ness, strive  in  all  things  to  recommend  their  profes- 
sion, and  to  put  to  silence  the  vain  scoffs  of  ignorant 
objectors.  Let  them  boldly  assert  the  cause  of  Christ 
in  an  age  when  so  many  who  bear  the  name  of 
Christians  are  ashamed  of  him :  and  let  them  con- 
sider as  devolved  on  them  the  important  duty  of  sus- 
pending for  a  while  the  fall  of  their  country,  and, 
perhaps,  of  performing  a  still  more  extensive  service 
to  society  at  large ;  not  by  busy  interference  in  poli- 
tics, in  which  it  cannot  but  be  confessed  there  is 
much  uncertainty,  but  rather  by  that  sure  and  radi- 
cal benefit  of  restoring  the  influence  of  religion,  and 
of  raising  the  standard  of  morality. 

Let  them  be  active,  useful,  generous  towards 
others ;  manifestly  moderate  and  self-denying  in 
themselves.  Let  them  be  ashamed  of  idleness,  as 
they  would  be  of  the  most  acknowledged  sin.  When 
Providence  blesses  them  with  affluence,  let  them 
withdraw  from  the  competition  of  vanity ;  and,  with- 


372  ADVICE    TO    TRUE    CHRISTIANS. 

out  sordidness  or  absurdity,  show,  by  their  modest 
demeanor  and  by  their  retiring  from  display,  that, 
without  affecting  singularity,  they  are  not  slaves  to 
fashion ;  that  they  consider  it  as  their  duty  to  set  an 
example  of  moderation  and  sobriety,  and  to  reserve 
for  nobler  and  more  disinterested  purposes  that  mo- 
ney Avhich  others  selfishly  waste  in  parade,  and 
dress,  and  equipage.  Let  them  evince,  in  short,  a 
manifest  moderation  in  all  temporal  things ;  as  be- 
comes those  whose  affections  are  set  on  higher  ob- 
jects than  any  which  this  world  afibrds,  and  who 
possess,  within  their  own  bosoms,  a  fund  of  satisfac- 
tion and  comfort  which  the  world  seeks  in  vanity 
and  dissipation.  Let  them  cultivate  a  catholic  spirit 
of  universal  good  will,  and  of  amicable  fellowship 
towards  all  those,  of  whatever  sect  or  denomination, 
Avho,  differing  from  them  in  non-essentials,  agree 
with  them  in  the  grand  fundamentals  of  religion. 
Let  them  countenance  men  of  real  piety  wherever 
they  are  found,  and  encourage  in  others  every  at- 
tempt to  repress  the  progress  of  vice,  and  to  revive 
and  diffijse  the  influence  of  religion  and  virtue.  Let 
their  earnest  prayers  be  constantly  offered  that  such 
endeavors  may  be  successful,  and  that  the  abused 
long-suffering  of  God  may  still  continue  to  us  the 
invaluable  privilege  of  vital  Christianity. 

Let  them  pray  continually  for  their  countjy.  Who 
can  say  but  that  the  Governor  of  the  universe,  who 
declares  himself  to  be  a  God  who  hears  the  prayers 


ADVICE    TO    TRUE    CHRISTIANS.  373 

of  his  servants,  may,  in  answer  to  their  intercessions, 
for  a  while  avert  our  ruin,  and  continue  to  us  the 
fullness  of  those  temporal  blessings  which  in  such 
abundant  measure  we  have  hitherto  enjoyed?*  Men 
of  the  world,  indeed,  however  they  may  admit  the 
natural  operation  of  natural  causes,  and  may  therefore 
confess  the  effects  of  religion  and  morality  in  promot- 
ing the  well-being  of  the  community;  may  yet,  accord- 
ing to  their  humor,  with  a  smile  of  complacent  pity, 
or  a  sneer  of  supercilious  contempt,  read  of  the  ser- 
vice which  real  Christians  may  render  to  their  coun- 
try, by  conciliating  the  favor  and  calling  down  the 
blessing  of  Providence.  It  may  appear  in  their  eyes 
an  instance  of  the  same  superstitious  weakness  as 
that  which  prompts  the  terrified  inhabitant  of  Sicily 
to  bring  forth  the  image  of  his  tutelar  saint,  in  order 
to  stop  the  destructive  ravages  of  ^tna.  We  are, 
however,  sure,  if  we  believe  the  Scripture,  that  God 
will  be  disposed  to  favor  the  nation  to  which  his  ser- 
vants belong ;  and  that,  in  fact,  such  as  they  have 
often  been  the  unknown  and  unhonored  instruments 
of  drawing  down  on  their  country  the  blessings  of 
safety  and  prosperity. 

It  would  be  an  instance  in  myself  of  that  very  false 
shame  which  I  have  condemned  in  others,  if  I  were 
not  boldly  to  avow  my  firm  persuasion,  that  to  the 
decline  of  religion  and  morality  our  national  difii- 

♦  See  some  exquisitely  beautiful  lines  in  the  last  book  of 
Cowper's  Task,  wherein  this  sentiment  is  introduced. 
32 


374  ADVICE    TO    TRUE    CHRISTIANS. 

culties  must  both  directly  and  indirectly  be  chiefly 
ascribed ;  and  that  the  only  solid  hopes  for  the  well- 
being  of  our  country  depend  not  so  much  on  her 
fleets  and  armies,  not  so  much  on  the  wisdom  of  her 
rulers  or  the  spirit  of  her  people,  as  on  the  persua- 
sion that  she  still  contains  many,  who,  in  a  degene- 
rate age,  love  and  obey  the  Gospel  of  Christ ;  on  the 
humble  trust  that  the  intercession  of  these  may  still 
be  prevalent,  that  for  the  sake  of  these  God  may  still 
look  upon  us  with  an  eye  of  favor. 

Let  the  prayers  of  the  Christian  reader  be  also  of 
fered  up  for  the  success  of  this  feeble  endeavor  in  the 
service  of  true  religion.  God  can  give  effect  to  the 
weakest  effort ;  and  the  writer  will  feel  himself  too 
much  honored,  if  by  that  which  he  has  now  been 
making,  but  a  single  fellow-creature  should  be 
awakened  from  a  false  security,  or  a  single  Chris- 
tian, who  deserves  the  name,  be  animated  to  more 
extensive  usefulness.  And  if  the  office  in  which  he 
has  been  engaged  were  less  intimately  connected 
Avith  the  duties  of  his  particular  station,  the  candid 
and  the  liberal  mind  would  not  be  indisposed  to  par- 
don him.  Let  him  be  allowed  to  ofl^er  in  his  "ex- 
cuse a  desire  not  only  to  discharge  a  duty  to  his 
country,  but  to  acquit  himself  of  what  he  deems  a 
solemn  and  indispensable  obligation  to  his-  acquaint- 
ance and  his  friends.  Let  him  alledge  the  unafl^ected 
solicitude  which  he  feels  for  the  welfare  of  his  fel- 


ADVICE    TO    TRUE    CHRISTIANS.  375 

low-creatures.  Let  him  urge  the  fond  wish  he  glad- 
ly would  encourage — that  while,  in  so  large  a  part 
of  Europe,  a  false  philosophy  having  been  preferred 
before  the  lessons  of  revelation,  infidelity  has  lifted 
up  her  head  without  shame,  and  walked  abroad 
boldly  and  in  the  face  of  day;  while  the  practical 
consequences  are  such  as  might  be  expected,  and 
licentiousness  and  vice  prevail  without  restraint — 
here  at  least  there  might  be  a  sanctuary,  a  land  of 
religion  and  piety,  where  the  blessings  of  Christia- 
nity might  be  still  enjoyed,  where  the  name  of  the 
Redeemer  might  still  be  honored ;  where  mankind 
might  be  able  to  see  what  is,  in  truth,  the  religion  of 
Jesus,  and  what  are  its  blessed  effects ;  and  whence, 
if  the  mercy  of  God  should  so  ordain  it,  the  means 
of  religious  instruction  and  consolation  might  be 
again  extended  to  surrounding  countries,  and  to  the 
world  at  large 


THE    END. 


